Answered: The figure below shows a temperature…

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1LR

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Transcribed Image Text:### Ocean Temperature vs. Depth Profile **Concept Visualization:** The figure provided illustrates the relationship between temperature and depth in the ocean. Specifically, it depicts a temperature vs. depth profile taken from the northern hemisphere in January. **Graph Explanation:** - **Axes:** - The **x-axis** represents the increasing temperature in degrees Celsius (°C), ranging from 0°C to 24°C. - The **y-axis** signifies the depth in meters (m), increasing downwards from 0 m at the surface to 4500 m. - **Temperature-Depth Line:** - The red line plots temperature against depth. - At the surface (0 m depth), the temperature starts at about 22°C. - From the surface down to approximately 1500 m, the temperature decreases rapidly to below 4°C. - Beyond 1500 m depth, the temperature remains relatively constant, staying below 4°C down to 4500 m. **Key Observation Questions:** - **What is the Most Likely Latitude for This Profile?** - The rapid decrease in temperature with depth followed by a stabilization suggests that this profile might be indicative of a mid- to high-latitude region in the northern hemisphere during winter. ### Learning Points: - **Thermocline:** - The steep decline in temperature from the surface to around 1000 m depth is characteristic of the thermocline, a layer where temperature drops sharply. - **Cold Deep Waters:** - The constant low temperature below 1000 m indicates the presence of cold, deep ocean water, which dominates below the thermocline. The temperature vs. depth profile provides critical insights into oceanic conditions, including thermocline presence and the temperature stability of deep ocean waters, which are crucial for understanding marine environments and their impact on global climate systems.