Ocean Water Mass
	Surface Water       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.