GEOSC 040 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Sea Ice, Latent Heat, Intermolecular Force
Document Summary
Sea ice driving up and down cause mixing. Water in the ocean and why we should be concerned about the physical properties. Importance to physical and biological processes: waters unique physical properties cause a buffering on earth"s surface and environmental changes. Determine how oceans circulate, how heat is transferred by the ocean and atmosphere, and how the waves work. Low viscosity- rapid flow to equalize pressure differences. Low compressibility- small change in volume for a change in pressure. High heat capacity- cools/warms slowly relative to land. High latent heat of evaporation/precipitation- very important for heat transfer between ocean and atmosphere. This is the main source of energy for hurricanes. High surface tension- allows wind energy to be transmitted to sea surface. Allows cells to hold shape and life to form. Low for water compared to ketchup (is high) Low viscosity liquids pour or stir easily. The change in volume for a change in pressure.
