![]() ![]() In the diagram pictured at the top, it categorises a water mass by the temperature and salinity of the water and is represented by a single point. The best method of classifying a water mass is through using a T-S diagram. Water mass classification Temperature and salinity diagram Temperature and salinity diagram Freshwater freezes at the standard 0☌ (32☏), while saltwater freezes at an average of -2☌ (28.4☏). The salinity of the water makes water freeze at lower temperatures than freshwater. ![]() This also in turn causes the salinity of the water to decrease. However, because water increases its volume by about 9% when frozen, this makes the ice less dense than the water which is why glaciers float. When ice is being formed in a cold climate like Antarctica, the cold temperatures separate the molecular bonds of the water causing it to become less dense. Water Masses are formed from regions of water having different temperatures. The central waters of various oceanic basinsĪlthough there are many types of water masses, they all share characteristics.North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW).It is very cold but, not quite freezing so the water moves down and along the ocean floor. Antarctic Bottom Water is the left over part when sea ice is being made. Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW): Antarctic Bottom Water is a very important water mass.Water masses are also distinguished by their vertical position so that there are surface water masses, intermediate water masses and deep water masses.Ĭommon water masses in the world ocean are: Water masses are generally distinguished not only by their respective tracers but also by their location in the Worlds' oceans. Water mass is also identified by its non-conservative flow tracers such as silicate, nitrate, oxygen, and phosphate. Properties include temperature, salinity, chemical - isotopic ratios, and other physical quantities which are conservative flow tracers. Body of water with common formation history An example of different water masses in the Southern Ocean.Īn oceanographic water mass is an identifiable body of water with a common formation history which has physical properties distinct from surrounding water. ![]()
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