Salinity & water temperatures
Water salinity and temperature play an important role in the Antarctic food web. Water salinity is a measurement of the salt concentration in sea water while water temperature is the temperature of the water, usually in measured in degrees Celsius.
Take a look at the salinity models and temperature models below. Answer the questions about the models and create observations to share with your classmates!
Salinity Models
Reading the Models
​Use the information below to help you understand the salinity models to the right. The models are moving because they are showing salinity over a certain period of time. Try to answer the questions below about the models!
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Model SSS
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"SSS" - Sea Surface Salinity​
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Model 100m Salinity
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Shows salinity of water at 100 meters depth​
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Model Salinity
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Shows a cross section of water salinity
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1.
What is the time frame for each model?
2.
What happens to the salinity at the surface of the water?
3.
What happens to the salinity at the depth of 100 meters?
4.
Make observations about the salinity at different depths in the cross section model.
5.
The sea surface salinity has fresher water intrusions seasonally. Why do you think that occurs?
6.
Record any other observations you see!
Temperature Models
Reading the Models
​Use the information below to help you understand the temperature models to the left. The models are moving because they are showing temperature over a certain period of time. Try to answer the questions below about the models!
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Model SST
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"SST" - Sea Surface Temperature​
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Model 100m Temperature
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Shows temperature of water at 100 meters depth​
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Model Temperature
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Shows a cross section of water temperature
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1.
What is the time frame for each model?
2.
What happens to the temperature at the surface of the water?
3.
What happens to the temperature at the depth of 100 meters?
4.
Make observations about the temperature at different depths in the cross section model.
5.
What differences do you see between the sea surface temperature and the temperature at 100 meters?
6.
Record any other observations you see!