Neutral density

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/neutral-density

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific variable?Neutral density ($\gamma^n$)
2. What is the developers?David R. Jackett and Trevor McDougall (1997)
3. What is neutral density in the ocean?Neutral density is a special way scientists measure how salty, warm, and pressurized water is, so they can see how it moves without much resistance.
4. Why did scientists create neutral density?Scientists made neutral density because older methods didn't fully show how deep water moves, so this new way gives a clearer picture of ocean layers and currents.

Geostrophic Approximation: A method balancing the Coriolis force and pressure gradient force to estimate ocean currents.
Neutral Tangent Plane: A theoretical plane indicating the direction of least resistance for water parcel movement.
Dianeutral Mixing: The mixing of ocean water that occurs perpendicular to neutral density surfaces.