When Were the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans Separated by Land?
ES2307  Observing Differences on Both Sides of the Isthmus of Panama

Although separated by a thin isthmus of land, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean have significant differences in ocean chemistry and climate. Examine the image to see the differences in temperature and salinity.

1. Make two observations about temperature and salinity on the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Panama.

  !   Move your cursor over the image to see a diagram illustrating the cause of the differences.

2. Interpret the processes shown in the image to explain your observations from question 1. 




	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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