answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Conductivity can be used to calculate the salinity of the water.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

Oceanographers measure the conductivity of seawater to calculate its salinity, as salinity affects water density and thus ocean circulation patterns. Conductivity is used because the salt in seawater makes it a good conductor of electricity, and this property can be easily measured to determine salinity levels.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Pure water does not conduct electricity, because there are no free electrons. In salt water, the sodium chloride dissolves to form negatively charged chlorine atoms and positively charged sodium atoms, which WILL conduct electricity. So measuring the conductivity of the water will give you an indication of the amount of salt dissolved.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

One reason for measuring conductivity in seawater is to determine the salt content. Absolutely pure water is actually a pretty good insulator with low conductivity. As materials dissolve into it, the conductivity shoots up (water is an excellent solvent it seems). By measuring electrical and thermal conductivity of sea water you can quickly get a good handle on how much salt and other material is dissolved into it.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do oceanographers take measurements of the conductivity of the seawater?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What laboratory equipment can be used to take metric measurements?

Laboratory equipment such as graduated cylinders, beakers, and pipettes can be used to take metric measurements. These tools are calibrated in metric units such as milliliters and centimeters.


How you can measure the electric conductivity of solid liquid mixture?

One way to measure the electrical conductivity of a solid-liquid mixture is by using a conductivity meter. By placing the electrodes of the meter into the mixture, it can detect the flow of electric current and provide a reading of the conductivity level. Another method is to calculate the conductivity by measuring the resistance of the mixture using a multimeter and then using this value in the formula to determine conductivity.


What is the name of the instrument that is used to drop out of an aircraft to take measurements inside hurricanes?

These instruments are called dropsondes.


Why electrolysis does not take place in distilled water?

Electrolysis requires ions in water to conduct electricity. Distilled water lacks ions, so it has very low conductivity and does not support electrolysis. Adding a small amount of electrolyte (such as salt) to distilled water increases its conductivity, enabling electrolysis to occur.


Why does the conductivity of a metal increase when a metal is cooled?

conduction is basically the flow of electrons from one end to the other in a conductor. lets take the example of a metal rod. the metal rod can conduct electricity as the electrons are able to flow and the resistance offered by the cations is relatively low. however, when the metal rod is heated, the cations start vibrating as energy is supplied to them. vibrating cations cause greater hindrance to the movement of electrons and thus, the conductivity decreases.

Related questions

Why do oceanographers take measurement of the conductivity of seawater?

Conductivity can be used to calculate the salinity of the water.


Why do oceanographers take measurements of the of the seawater?

Conductivity can be used to calculate the salinity of the water.


What do oceanographers use submarines for?

oceanographers use submarines to take pictures of sea life and things that have been found or things that they are looking for.


How long does a Oceanographers work?

One million years... How long did it take your grammar teacher to get sacked?


Why it is easier to stay afloat when on a beach than when in swimming pool?

Because sand is denser than water. But I suspect you meant to ask "why is it easier to stay afloat in seawater than it is in fresh water". In which case the answer is the same: seawater is denser ... but not as dramatically, and the difference is small enough that you're unlikely to actually notice it unless you take careful measurements.


What do many organisms take from seawater to make bones or shells?

They take magnesium.


What measurements will each of these instruments take?

There is no instrument on that list that can take any reliable measurements.


The term heat conductivity is best defined by the ability of heat to do what?

Take Thermometer and put it in the hot water -Calculate Temparature-go with the formula of Conductivity of heat


Can you take sea water and drink it?

On average, seawater in the world's oceans has a salinity of about 3.5%. This means that every kilogram, or every litre, of seawater has approximately 35 grams (1.2 oz) of dissolved salts.Accidentally consuming small quantities of clean seawater is not harmful, especially if the seawater is consumed along with a larger quantity of fresh water. However, drinking seawater to maintain hydration is counterproductive; more water must be excreted to eliminate the salt (via urine) than the amount of water that is gained from drinking the seawater itself. The effect of seawater intake has also been studied in laboratory settings in rats.This study confirmed the negative effects of drinking seawater when dehydrated.


What is used to take measurements over the sea?

seismograph


What is used to take weather measurements?

Wind speed


What system do scientist use to take measurements?

rulers you idiete