Temperature

Definition

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance, indicating how hot or cold that substance is. In oceanography, temperature plays a critical role in determining ocean water properties, influencing everything from density to circulation patterns. Understanding temperature is essential because it affects marine life, climate systems, and ocean movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean temperatures vary with depth, with the surface layer typically being warmer due to direct sunlight, while deeper layers are colder and denser.
2. Temperature influences the solubility of gases in seawater; warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen compared to colder water.
3. Seasonal changes in temperature can lead to thermal stratification, affecting nutrient availability and marine ecosystems.
4. The difference in temperature between the equator and polar regions drives major ocean currents and affects global climate patterns.
5. Temperature plays a significant role in determining the distribution and behavior of marine organisms, as many species have specific temperature ranges for survival.

Review Questions

• How does temperature affect the density of ocean water and subsequently influence ocean circulation?
  • Temperature directly impacts the density of ocean water; warmer water is less dense than colder water. This difference in density contributes to the formation of thermal stratification, where distinct layers form in the ocean. As warm water sits above colder water, it creates stability within the water column, affecting how currents move and how nutrients are distributed. Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehending ocean circulation patterns.
• Discuss the implications of thermal stratification on marine ecosystems during different seasons.
  • Thermal stratification has significant implications for marine ecosystems, particularly during seasonal transitions. In warmer months, surface waters heat up while deeper waters remain cold, creating a barrier that can limit nutrient mixing. This can lead to decreased productivity in some areas. In contrast, during cooler months, mixing can occur as temperatures equalize, allowing nutrients from the depths to rise to the surface and support phytoplankton growth, which is foundational for marine food webs.
• Evaluate the role of temperature in shaping global climate patterns through ocean currents.
  • Temperature plays a pivotal role in shaping global climate patterns via ocean currents. The variations in ocean temperatures between equatorial and polar regions create gradients that drive large-scale currents like the Gulf Stream. These currents redistribute heat across the planet, influencing weather patterns and climate in coastal regions and beyond. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, alterations in these currents may have profound impacts on weather systems and marine ecosystems worldwide.

Related terms

Thermal Stratification: The layering of water in oceans based on temperature differences, where warmer water is found above colder water.

Heat Capacity: The amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Ocean Currents: Large-scale flows of seawater that are influenced by temperature differences, salinity, and wind patterns.