Density of seawater increases as
A) temperature, salinity, and pressure decrease.
B) temperature, salinity, and pressure increase.
C) temperature increases and salinity and pressure decrease.
D) salinity and pressure increase and temperature decreases.
E) pressure increases and temperature and salinity decrease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The density of seawater increases when salinity and pressure increase and temperature decreases. Higher salinity means more dissolved salts, which adds to the mass of the water without significantly increasing its volume, thus increasing its density. Higher pressure compresses the water, making it denser. Lower temperatures decrease the kinetic energy of water molecules, bringing them closer together, which also increases density.

Density of Seawater Increases as