131 Summary — Physical Geology – 2nd Edition

Figure A

Explain why carbonate sediments are absent from the deepest parts of the oceans.
What is the source of the carbon that is present in sea-floor methane hydrate deposits?
Where are the saltiest parts of the oceans? Why?
Explain why sea-surface water with the greatest density is found in the north Atlantic, as shown on Figure A.
What type of ocean currents result from the relatively dense water in the north Atlantic?
How do the open-ocean currents affect the overall climate patterns on Earth?