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
dont 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.