How Do Temperature and Salinity Affect Mixing in the Oceans?
ES2202  Observing Patterns of Temperature and Salinity

These maps show average sea surface temperatures and average salinity measurements for the world's oceans. Look for patterns between the two maps.

  !   Click each map to see a larger version. Examine the color-coded legend to interpret areas of high and low temperature and salinity.
NOAA - National Oceanographic Data Center
Average Annual Sea Surface Temperature
NOAA - National Oceanographic Data Center
Average Annual Salinity

1. Describe some of the general patterns you observe for temperature and salinity.

2. Describe the location of at least three places in the world's oceans that have high temperatures but low salinity.

3. What do you think might cause low salinity in these areas of warm ocean water? 



	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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