Thermal Stratifictation
Stratification of ocean water is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is important to the structure, circulation and productivity of the oceans. The formation of vertical stratification in the water column is a consequence of water masses with different densities. Water density is strongly influenced by temperature and salinity; with less dense, warmer surface waters floating on top of denser, colder water. The boundary between the warmer and cold waters is called the thermocline.
Lesson objective:after completing this laboratory activity, students will be able to explain how density differences affect stratification, some cues for stratification, and how mixing affects a water column with different density properties.
Materials:Two 250ML beakers, one 500ML beaker
Electronic Scale
Glass stirring rod, spon
Picking salt, water samples (warm and cold), and food coloring (yellow and blue)
ipad (to take photos for your report)
Beaker #1 add 20g of salt and 5 drops of food coloring in cold water Beaker #2 add 5 drops of yellow food coloring and warm fresh water