OCS 1005 : Oceanography Test 2 Notes
15 Mar 2019
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Document Summary
A water molecule has a bend in its geometry, with the two hydrogen atoms on the same side of the oxygen atom. This property gives water its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. In water, the positively charged hydrogen area of one water molecule interacts with the negatively charged oxygen end of an adjacent water molecule, forming a hydrogen bond. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules are much weaker than the covalent bonds that hold individual water molecules together. Water"s unique thermal properties include water"s latent heats and high heat capacity, which redistribute heat on earth and have moderated earth"s climate. Salinity is the total amount of solid material dissolved in water including dissolved gases but excluding dissolved organic substances. Seawater salinity can be measured by salinometer and averages 35%0. The dissolved components in seawater give it different yet important physical properties as compared to pure water.
