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Density Effects

Grade levels: 5-8, 9-12
Theme: ocean circulation
Video: density_effects.flv

I think most everybody can understand that if there is light fluid on top of heavy fluid then we have what's called a "stable system". Because things that are heavier are perfectly "happy" to be underneath something that's light. And what we say is that there is something that's less dense on top of something that's more dense.

But in the ocean it often happens that the reverse happens: so we might get something that's heavy, heavier (like) more dense waters on top of lighter water. And when that happens, we say that the ocean is unstable and we have "overturning". That means that the waters that are heavy come down to the bottom part of the ocean and those that are light need to go up. And that happens when waters are cooled and it also happens when the upper waters get saltier because of evaporation, etc.

So those density differences mean that the ocean is going to circulate: it's going to move. And those density differences can come about because of temperature changes or salinity changes.
 
Student Outcomes 
After viewing this video, students should be able to:

Explain the effect of density on ocean circulation. (O: 5-8)

Explain the influence of ocean salinity on the thermohaline circulation (e.g., "global conveyor belt"). (O: 9-12)

Key:  C = climate / O = ocean circulation / T = 21st century technology / W = water cycle