Saltwater has a density of 1.03 g/cm^3, whereas fresh water has a density of 1.0 g/cm^3. Using this data, which statement BEST explains what will happen if a freshwater river flows into a lagoon of salt water of the same temperature?

Question

1)the fresh water will sink below the incoming fresh water because it is denser.
2) the fresh water will cause turnover in the ocean because it is denser
3)the salt water will upwell above the incoming fresh water because it is less dense
4)the salt water will sink below the incoming fresh water because it is less denser.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

4) the salt water will sink below the incoming fresh water because it is less dense.

When freshwater flows into a lagoon of saltwater, the less dense freshwater (density of 1.0 g/cm³) will float on top of the denser saltwater (density of 1.03 g/cm³). This means that the saltwater will not rise above the freshwater; rather, it will remain beneath it.