The deeper layer of the ocean comprises the lowest density water as this region is comparatively cold and stable than the other layers.
Further Explanation:
The main layers of the ocean are the:
1. Surface ocean
2. Deep ocean
3. Seafloor sediments
These layers play a major role in the ocean circulation and in the absorption of gases from the atmosphere.
The surface ocean is the upper exposed area of the ocean and is also referred to as a mixed layer. It is defined as that layer of the ocean which involves continuous disturbance and mixing of waters as a result of heat fluxes, wind, salinity fluxes, and evaporation. While studying the ocean, turbulence is said to be a physical process in which the momentum and heat are transferred with the dispersal of particles into the water column.The deep ocean is the deepest layer which is deep enough to avoid any kind of turbulence and remains less affected or more stable. In other words, the water in the deep ocean is non-turbulent and homogenous with respect to temperature and salinity.
The sediments are present at the bottom in the seafloor and therefore, are called seafloor sediments. These sediments form the last layer which actually does not contain water but remains in contact with the seawater. The various types of sediments present at the seafloor are clay, cosmogenic sediments, biogenic sediments, and hydrogenous sediments.
The density of different layers of the ocean depends on the salinity and temperature of the respective layer. The temperature of the surface ocean is higher due to its direct interaction with the sunlight. Therefore, it remains warmer as compared to the deep ocean. As the water in the ocean becomes deeper, the temperature drops, in turn, increasing the density. It is when the transition of the deep ocean occurs. The zone which involves the increased density and the falling temperature is called thermocline. The density increases because cold water due to low temperature has closely packed water molecules and hence occupies less volume. The density of the water also increases with increasing salinity. The salinity of the dense or deeper layer of water is more than the water in the surface ocean.
Learn more:
Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Subject: Biology
Chapter: Layers of the Ocean
Keywords:
Surface ocean, deep ocean, sediment seafloor, mixed layer, turbulence, temperature, salinity.
