DENSITY STRATIFICATION IN A WATER BODY

A well documented feature of the oceans is the density stratification that results from various combinations of temperature and salinity. Even though the concept of density is simply defined, and comfortable for students, its visualization in an all fluid environment is often difficult.

This simple demonstration using an aquarium is a means of showing layering resulting from several combinations of water temperature and salinity. The value of this demonstration lies in its simplicity, availability of materials, flexibility, and applicability at levels from grade school through college. In addition to water, materials include: an aquarium, table salt, food coloring, and a measuring cup. This demonstration can be done almost anywhere. Students from early grade school through upper level undergraduates enjoy the demonstration and readily grasp the concept of density stratification.