Question

Which factors cause ocean water to become denser? Check all that apply.

an increase in energy
a decrease in energy
an increase in temperature
a decrease in temperature
an increase in salinity
a decrease in salinity

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- a decrease in energy
- a decrease in temperature
- an increase in salinity

Brief why: Cooling (a drop in energy/temperature) reduces molecular motion so water contracts and becomes denser; adding salt increases mass per unit volume so salinity raises density. (Pressure/depth also increases density but wasn't listed.)