Zone d’entraide

AdorableApatosaurus7671

When the cold water reaches the Equator, it will rise because its temperature will increase. The salinity will increase because the water will evaporate in the Equator region, which will make the water sink. When the warm water reaches the polar regions, it will sink because the temperature will decrease. The salinity will decrease, which will make the water rise. Can this be a good explanation for subsurface current? :)

Louis-Philippe B

Thank you for your question!

You are partially correct. Indeed, warm water tends to rise, while cold water tends to sink.

Salinity also makes water sink. Additionally, although evaporation can contribute to making water saltier in the tropics, there are also mechanisms by which water becomes saltier near the poles. For instance, salt is excluded from water when ice forms, making the overall body of water beneath ice saltier.

This webpage on the Alloprof website explains ocean circulation:

https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/sciences/ocean-circulation-s1343

Don't hesitate to reach out for more help!