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Water mass

 
Sci-Tech Dictionary: water mass
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(′wöd·ər ′mas)

(oceanography) A body of water identified by its temperature-salinity curve or chemical composition, and normally consisting of a mixture of two or more water types.

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Wikipedia: Water mass
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Example of different water masses in the Southern Ocean

An oceanographic water mass is an identifiable body of water which has physical properties distinct from surrounding water. Properties include temperature, salinity, chemical - isotopic ratios, and other physical quantities.

Common water masses in the world ocean are: Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW), Arctic Intermediate Water (AIW), the central waters of various oceanic basins, and various surface waters.

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