Oregon State University - OC 201Lab_3_Ocean_Circulation

Document Content and Description Below

OC 201e – Introduction to Oceanography 1 of 7 Lab 3 – Density, mixing and stratification In this lab you will explore on a small scale the influence of temperature, salinity and mixing on seaw... ater stratification. These same processes operate in the ocean over much larger scales and have far-ranging physical, chemical and biological implications. Spring 2020: I realize that some of you may not be able to get to the grocery store for the supplies need for this lab. Therefore, I will provide you with pictures and videos of the activities described below. They can be found on my science Instagram account @oceans_past You will need to log in with either a Facebook or Instagram account. Now, if you can get the supplies please try these activities/experiments. There is no pressure now so it should be fun, especially if you involve the people you live with. HINTS: 1. Density is controlled by temperature and salinity. Cold salty water is more dense than warm, fresh water. 2. A stable water column (i.e., stable stratification) is less dense water over more dense water. Lab Supplies: Table salt (lots), food coloring/dye, eyedropper, spoon, 2 large clear water glasses, and ice cubes made from both plain and dyed freshwater. Lab Set-up: Make your own saltwater by mixing salt into water – you don’t need to be delicate with this because the saltier it is the better it will perform in the lab. Approximately 2 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of water will give you “typical” seawater (i.e., a salinity of 35). You will need at least 2 liters of saltwater, but I suggest making extra. Also, for some of the experiments you require cold salt water (the colder the better). I would place at least 1 liter of salt water in the freezer for about 20 minutes before you try Activity 4. Activity 1: Salt water with dye (6 pts) In this activity, you will explore the role of mixing on water mass interaction. Materials: Freshwater at room temperature, cold saltwater and food dye Preparation: Fill a large glass with the room temperature freshwater. In a separate container add food dye to a small amount of cold saltwater. Part 1 – Answer part “i” below before doing the following: Using an eyedropper, drop a single drop of dyed saltwater into the freshwater at a time. Try from very near the surface so that the drop does not enter the water going fast. Next, try from higher up. Observe the mixing. This study source was downloaded by 100000784424693 from CourseHero.com on 04-18-2021 06:18:47 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/70392782/Lab-3-Ocean-Circulationpdf/ This study resource was shared via CourseHero.com OC 201e – Introduction to Oceanography 2 of 7 i) Before the experiment, write down what you think you will see. a) Droplet very close to surface (moving slowly): The droplet will disperse in the water slightly after it hits the surface and dye will disperse b) Droplet far above the surface (moving fast): Droplet will disperse farther down in water compared to the very close to surface droplet ii) Now, write down what you actually observe and comment on the difference from your initial guess. a) Droplet very close to surface (moving slowly) [Show More]

Last updated: 1 year ago

Preview 1 out of 9 pages