Day 5 - Back in the lab

This morning we learned about ocean currents. About 10% of the ocean, only the top level, is moved by the wind-driven waves. The rest of the movement of the water is affected by the temperature and related density changes.

Here, we used water with food coloring to stack water of different temeperatures inside of a test tube. 

We also used circulation tubes to explore the flow of waters of different temperatures.

We used a refractometer to measure our home-made salt water. (The math teacher wanted to set up a system of linear equations to plan the mixing). 

Lastly we tried to stack salty water and fresh water solutions of varying temperatures in test tubes. This led us to our discussion of the thermohaline circulation (currents) that influence the climate. The Gulf Stream is the most important of these currents as it helps to moderate the climate of North America.