A water mass at depth in the ocean has temperatures and salinities which are usually determined by the conditions that were present when the water mass was last at the sea surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Water masses at depth in the ocean are often isolated from surface conditions and can retain the temperature and salinity characteristics of their formation location and time. This is why scientists use the temperature and salinity measurements of water masses to track ocean circulation and changes over time.

A Water Mass at Depth in the Ocean Has Temperatures