Tengervíztömeg

Tengervíztömeg is a Hungarian term that translates to "seawater mass" or "oceanic water mass." It refers to a distinct body of seawater that has specific characteristics, such as temperature, salinity, density, and chemical composition, which are uniform throughout and can be traced over large distances. These characteristics are acquired by the water mass in a particular region of the ocean, often where it forms, and are maintained as it moves through the ocean basins due to large-scale ocean currents.

Oceanographers use the concept of tengervíztömeg to understand ocean circulation and the distribution of heat and salt within the world's oceans. By identifying and tracking these water masses, scientists can learn about the processes of ocean mixing, upwelling, and downwelling, as well as their impact on global climate patterns. Different tengervíztömeg are formed in various parts of the ocean, for example, in polar regions where cold, dense water sinks, or in tropical regions where evaporation leads to high salinity.

Examples of major oceanic water masses include North Atlantic Deep Water, Antarctic Bottom Water, and Mediterranean Outflow Water. Each of these has a unique signature of temperature and salinity that distinguishes it from surrounding waters. The study of tengervíztömeg is crucial for understanding phenomena such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the long-term changes in ocean properties due to climate change.