This is a simple density-depth ocean water profile. You can see density increases with increasing depth. The pycnocline are layers of water where the water density changes rapidly with depth. This density-depth profile is typical of what you might expect to find at a latitude of 30-40 degrees south.
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Density of Ocean Water
The density of pure water is 1000 kg/m
3. Ocean water is more dense because it has
salt in it. Density of
ocean water is about 1027 kg/m
3 at the top of the ocean.
Less dense water floats on top of more dense water. So, if you were to head to the bottom of the ocean in a submarine, the water would get more and more dense as you went!
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The
Spring 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on the ocean, including articles on polar research, coral reefs, ocean acidification, and climate. Includes a gorgeous full color poster!
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