How Do Temperature and Salinity Affect Mixing in the Oceans?
ES2202  Mixing at the Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, is one location where different masses of water meet. Gather data and calculate densities to predict how the two masses will interact.

  !   Click the dot on the map to view temperature and salinity maps for that location. Record the temperature and salinity for water masses on the Mediterranean side and the Atlantic side of the Strait of Gibraltar (35º N, 5º W).

  !   Click the Show Density Graph button to access the graph. Use the temperature and salinity values you recorded to estimate the density of seawater at both locations.

6. Determine the temperature, salinity, and density of water on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic sides of the Strait of Gibraltar.

7. Predict what would happen to water that moves from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean.

 


	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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