In this lesson, students become familiar with how ocean water forms density-stratified layers in many places. They design and carry out a series of tests to show how water masses of four different densities interact, using clear straws to stack colored water of different salinities. Temperature is varied to increase the differences in density of each water sample. Full description.

This dataset includes a broad suite of biogeochemical measurements, particularly dissolvable iron. The measurements span the time period from August 1998 to December 2004 and were taken at the most inshore station of a set of three which are maintained by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). The data show a large pulse of dissolvable iron consistently occurring during the first spring ... Full description.

This reference discusses the composition and chemistry of seawater, and how they affect organisms in the sea. Topics include salinity, temperature, density, dissolved gases, dissolved nutrients, and pH. Full description.

In this activity students will search the Web in order to answer specific questions about the salinity of oceans. They will then create a visual presentation of their findings, using pie charts illustrating the chemical composition of the ocean, or line graphs of the three major oceans showing seasonal salinity readings, or a comparison of the salinity of each of the oceans. In the second part, students ... Full description.

This essay with a field journal focus reports on a family vacation to the Dead Sea, where the saltiness of the water made it difficult to keep their feet underwater. The reasons for the salinity level of this sea, along with what scientists do and do not know about why the ocean is so salty is also included in the essay. There is also an overview of the importance of salt to humans and the chemistry ... Full description.

Chemical Oceanography is part of the site characterization describing the physical setting of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). This site describes chemical sources, chemical sinks, and water column characteristics and processes in MBNMS, including nutrients, trace metals, and organics. There is also a page of selected resources for additional information. Full description.

The New Millenium Observatory is a seafloor observatory off the coast of Oregon, which studies the relationships between submarine volcanic events and the chemistry and distribution of hydrothermal vents and the biologic communities that depend on them. This website is a multimedia presentation of the ongoing research at Axial volcano. The NeMO Explorer page offers several virtual tours, which allow ... Full description.

The National Sea Grant Library (NSGL) is the digital library and official archive for NOAA Sea Grant documents. It is the only comprehensive collection of Sea Grant –funded documents from over 30 programs and projects across the country. This collection encompasses a wide variety of subjects, including oceanography, marine education, aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic nuisance species, coastal hazards, ... Full description.

COSEE-MA's goal is to integrate research and education programs to encourage lifelong learning experiences for everyone. They especially want to reach out to K-12 educators, students (K-16), coastal managers, families, and underserved audiences. The site features information for all of the above audiences, as well as the latest news and upcoming events. Full description.

This online method manual from EPA describes how to conduct estuary monitoring programs, with step-by-step guides for chemical, physical and biological sampling and data interpretation. Also describes how to plan and maintain a volunteer force, with tips on liability and financial issues, volunteer recruiting training and retention. Addresses quality assurance so that results have weight. Provides ... Full description.