ESS200A
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Ocean Water Mass
qSurface Water
q      to a depth of about 200 meters
§Central Water
§      to the bottom of the main thermocline
§Intermediate Water
§      to about 1500 meters
§Deep Water
§      below intermediate water but not in
§      contact with the bottom
§Bottom Water
§      in contact with sea floor
• Ocean water masses possess distinct, identifiable properties and don’t often mix easily when they meet.
• In stead, they usually flow above or below each other.
• Ocean water mass can retain their identity for great distance and long periods of time.
• Oceanographers name water masses according to their relative position.