In this activity students will focus on the temperature, density, and salinity in the deep sea. They will be able to explain the relationship among temperature, salinity, and density; and, given CTD (conductivity, temperature, and density) data, students will be able to calculate density and construct density profiles of a water column. They will also be able to explain the concept of sigma-t, and explain how density differences may affect the distribution of organisms in a deep-sea environment. In addition to being tied to the National Science Education Standards, the hands-on, inquiry-based activities include focus questions, background information for teachers, links to interesting websites, and extensions.

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This resource is referenced by 'Ocean Explorer'

Publisher: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration