G131 HOME
INFORMATION
SCHEDULE
RESOURCES
EXERCISES
EXERCISES
Examination and evaluation of real-time oceanographic data on the internet
PRELIMINARY
I: TECTONICS
and OCEAN BASINS
II: OCEANS/ ATMOSPHERIC GASES
Ocean Temperatures
Ocean Salinity
Oceanic Water Masses
Sea Ice and Icebergs
Carbon Dioxide
Ozone
III: OCEAN/
ATMOSPHERE DYNAMICS
IV: INTEGRATED TOPICS
 
OCEAN TEMPERATURES

Introduction to Questions on Ocean Temperatures:

  • The questions are outlined in three tables (this page, next page . last page )
    • they require examination of spatial variations in solar heat flux.
    • they require examination of various temperature maps
      • current global sea surface temperatures.
      • annual average global sea surface temperatures.
      • temperatures of the deep ocean
      • latitudinal variations in sea surface and deep ocean temperatures
      • temporal variation in sea surface temperatures
  • Reminder: you should submit your answers via oncourse .
Ocean Temperatures pt
Solar Radiation
The oceans are warmed by the heat received from the Sun. However, the Sun's energy is not evenly distributed on the Earth surface. This part of the exercise examines a global map of surface solar heat flux and explores its role in warming the Earth.
1. What is the range of values (highest and lowest values) for the solar heat flux (in W/m2) to the surface of the Earth?
2
2. What factors govern the spatial variability in solar heat flux?  HINT
2
3. Estimate the global average for solar heat flux at Earth's surface? HINT
2
4. Using your answer to Q.3, estimate the time needed for the oceans to cool by 2°C if the Sun suddenly stopped providing heat. (Bonus) HINT
 
Dimensions of the Global Ocean
Surface area of the oceans = 3.63 x 1014 m2
Mean ocean depth = 3770 m
Units and Conversion Factors
1 watt = 1 joule/second; 4.186 calories = 1 joule; 1g water = 1cm 3 volume
1 calorie raises the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C
2*
5. What assumptions are made in your answer to Q.4?  (Bonus) HINT
2*
Current Ocean Temperatures
From the website devoted to " Live Weather Images " follow the link under the Main Menu to " Bodies of Water " and select the button entitled " Global Sea Temperatures " If this link is not functioning, there is another global map (in °F) lower in the table entitled " Another Global Sea Surface Temps "
6. Where do the warmest oceanic sea surface temperatures occur? (Give the name of the region and/or its approximate latitude and longitude)  2
7. From the map of global sea temperatures estimate the sea surface temperatures at the following locations:  

lat
long
lat
long
lat
long
  
(i)
30°N
30°W
 (ii)
0°
150°E
 (iii)
60°S
0°
3
8. Would you expect the surface ocean temperatures at each of the locations, (i), (ii) and (iii), in Q.7 to be similar, higher or lower in the month of August? HINT
3
  << Back
 
 
  Continue >>
Indiana University
Department of Geological Sciences, 
1001 E. Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-1403
Phone: (812) 855-5582  Last updated: 15 October 2002
Comments: simon@indiana.edu
Copyright 2000, The Trustees of Indiana University