What creates a thermocline?

a series of strong ocean storms

a difference in the amount of phytoplankton

a difference in water temperature

a change in the phytoplankton population

1 answer

A thermocline is primarily created by a difference in water temperature. It is a distinct layer in a body of water where the temperature change with depth is more pronounced than in the layers above or below. This temperature gradient is typically found in oceans and large lakes, where warmer, less dense water sits on top of cooler, denser water.