Deep ocean waters flow in an overturning circulation driven by _______________________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deep ocean waters flow in an overturning circulation driven by density contrasts. This is because colder, saltier waters are denser and sink to the bottom, while warmer, less salty waters float on top. This creates a circulation pattern that drives the movement of deep ocean waters. The other choices, such as hurricane force winds, the rotation of the Earth, and the Coriolis effect may play a role in ocean currents, but they do not directly drive the deep ocean overturning circulation.

Deep Ocean Waters Flow in an Overturning Circulation Driven by _______________________