Describe the ocean's layered structure. Why does the three-layer structure not exist in high latitudes?

What will be an ideal response?


The ocean, like Earth's interior, is layered according to density. Low-density water exists near the surface, and higher-density water occurs below. Except for some shallow inland seas with a high rate of evaporation, the highest-density water is found at the greatest ocean depths. Oceanographers generally recognize a three-layered structure in most parts of the open ocean: a shallow surface mixed zone, a transition zone, and a deep zone. In high latitudes, there is almost no difference in density from shallow to deep water, so there is no layering.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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The Convention on the Law of the Sea gives a sovereign power exclusive mineral and marine rights in the waters off its shores

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The "horns" in a ________ dune point in a downwind direction.

A. transverse B. barchan C. symmetrical D. star E. longitudinal

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Describe the features and characteristics associated with each stage in the evolution of a mountainous desert

What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Using the graph below, construct a topographic profile from Point “A” to Point “B.” Plot the index contours, as well as the crest and bottom of the fault scarps. The vertical exaggeration of the profile is approximately 6.7x.

The question is based on the “Mt. Dome, California” quadrangle (Map T-24; enlarged to scale 1:48,000; contour interval 40 feet). Three prominent fault scarps can be seen running north to south across the map, and will be referred to as the “western” fault, the “central” fault, and the “eastern” fault. These faults scarps are the result of normal faulting. Figure 36-5 is a stereogram of the same region (in Figure 36-5, north is to the left side of the page). Hint: Because the contour lines are very close together, it may be difficult to discern the elevation of the top and bottom of a scarp. To determine these elevations, find an index contour in the gently sloping area between two scarps, and then count the number of contour lines to the top or bottom of a scarp.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences