[06-Sep-2013] Two of the most important characteristics of ocean water are its temperature and salinity. Together they help govern the density of seawater, which is the major factor controlling the ocean's vertical movements and layered circulation.A Temperature-Salinity (T-S) Diagram is a simple, but powerful tool used in studies of seawater density, mixing, and circulation. In a T-S diagram, temperature is plotted along the vertical axis in degrees Celsius and salinity is measured along the horizontal axis in PSU. Seawater density is illustrated in the diagram by curved lines of constant density.

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