How does temperature affect ocean currents?
a
Cold water moves fast and will sink. As the water warms up, it slows down and will rise to the surface.
b
Warm water moves fast and will sink. As the water cools down, it slows down and will rise to the surface.
c
Cold water is dense and will sink. As the water warms up, it becomes less dense and will rise to the surface.
d
Warm water is dense and will sink. As the water cools down, it becomes less dense and will rise to the surface.
1 answer
c. Cold water is dense and will sink. As the water warms up, it becomes less dense and will rise to the surface. This process affects the density and buoyancy of the ocean water which can lead to changes in ocean currents. For example, in areas where there is a lot of cold water sinking, it can create strong currents that move across the ocean floor, while areas where warm water rises can cause surface currents to flow towards the poles.