If the density of the water increases with depth, the water column is
A) stagnant.
B) unstable.
C) stable.
D) neutral.
E) well mixed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the density of water increases with depth, it means that the colder and denser water sinks down, while the warmer and less dense water stays near the surface. This leads to a stable water column, as the denser water at the bottom resists mixing with the less dense water above. This stratification can lead to the formation of different layers in the water column, which can have different temperatures, salinity, and dissolved oxygen content, affecting the distribution and behavior of marine organisms.

If the Density of the Water Increases with Depth, the Water