The transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean
to the air above it depends on a disequilibrium at the
interface of the water and the air. Within about a
Line millimeter of the water, air temperature is close to that of
5 the surface water, and the air is nearly saturated with
water vapor. But the differences, however small, are
crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near
the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically
appreciably cooler and lower in water-vapor content.
10 The air is mixed by means of turbulence that depends
on the wind for its energy. As wind speed increases, so
does turbulence, and thus the rate of heat and moisture
transfer. Detailed understanding of this phenomenon
awaits further study.
7. According to the passage, wind over the ocean generally does which of the following?
□ (A) Causes relatively cool, dry air to come into proximity with the ocean surface.
□ (B) Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air.
□ (C) Causes frequent changes in the temperature of the water at the ocean‘s surface.
8. The passage suggests that if on a certain day the
wind were to decrease until there was no wind at
all which of the following would occur?
(A) The air closest to the ocean surface would
become saturated with water vapor.
(B) The air closest to the ocean surface would be
warmer than the water.
(C) The amount of moisture in the air closest to
the ocean surface would decrease.
(D) The rate of heat and moisture transfer would
increase.
(E) The air closest to the ocean would be at the
same temperature as air higher up.