Which of the following is true of the surface water and deep water of the ocean?(1 point)

Question

Responses

There is constant vertical mixing as fresh water evaporates and the salty surface water that remains sinks.
There is constant vertical mixing as fresh water evaporates and the salty surface water that remains sinks. - incorrect

There is constant vertical mixing between layers because the warm water is atop the colder water.
There is constant vertical mixing between layers because the warm water is atop the colder water. - no response given

There is little vertical mixing between layers because currents only flow sideways.
There is little vertical mixing between layers because currents only flow sideways. - no response given

There is little vertical mixing between layers because the warm water is atop the colder

Answer 1

The correct statement among the options provided is:

There is little vertical mixing between layers because the warm water is atop the colder water.

This statement reflects the phenomenon known as thermal stratification, where warmer (and less dense) water remains on the surface, while colder (and denser) water is found deeper in the ocean. This layering leads to limited vertical mixing between these distinct layers.