does ne1 know the answer to this?

20. The greater the density gradient (i.e., the change from low density to high density water), the greater the stratification. Describe the difference in stratification when comparing the upper 500 meters of an open-ocean equatorial regime with a similar Antarctic regime.
A. The stratification is much greater in the Antarctic than at the equator because of salinity differences
B. The stratification is about the same in both cases because the salinities are comparable
C. The stratification is much greater at the equator than in the Antarctic because of different temperature gradients in the water column
D. The stratification is greater in the Antarctic than at the equator because the sea ice isolates the surface ocean from strong winds
E. The stratification is greater at the equator than in the Antarctic because the waters are younger and contain less salt


thanks

5/1/2006 1:52:18 PM

johnathan pollack

5/1/2006 2:20:13 PM

ok so this is my take on the question
im am fairly sure that stratification is greater at the equator, but for several reasons, you just hvae to decide which they are lookin for
Densities differences in the two regimes are caused by fresher water in the artic and colder water through out the entire water column, bc sea ice keeps the top layer from gettin to warm casueing little stratification when compared to salinitiy and temp difference within the water column at the equator.
Another really big reason for less stratification in the artic is letter E. THis has to do with the deep bottom water formation from the downwelling currents there. remember in lab this had to do with the carbon cycle and why the oceans take up so much of the extra CO2 from greenhouse gases. this water stays at the bottom of the water column for a realllly long time, where as at the equator the bottom water gets replaced alot quicker. this means it can be replaced quicker and doesnt have as long to mixed with the rest of the water column like the bottom water at the artic does. I think i would pick this answer, E
though id consider choosing A, but i dont think that is the main reason for stratificatoin, or C

5/1/2006 6:46:28 PM

thanks a lot

5/2/2006 12:45:09 AM

Uh...read the notes. It's 'A'. Salinity is greater at Antartic...that's how bottom water is formed.

5/2/2006 8:33:48 AM