Question

research it! part 2

1. what two factors determine the density of ocean water?
2. how could climate change affect the ocean’s conveyor belt system?

Explanation:

Question 2

To determine the density of ocean water, we refer to the principles in oceanography (a subfield of Natural Science, specifically related to Earth Science/Geography or Environmental Sciences). The two key factors are salinity (the amount of dissolved salts) and temperature. Higher salinity and lower temperature generally increase ocean water density.

The ocean’s conveyor belt system (thermohaline circulation) is driven by differences in water density (from temperature and salinity). Climate change can cause: 1) Melting ice (e.g., from glaciers/ice sheets) to add fresh water, reducing salinity and density in polar regions. 2) Warmer temperatures to increase water temperature, lowering density. Both reduce the density differences that drive the conveyor belt, potentially slowing or disrupting the circulation, which impacts global climate (e.g., heat distribution, weather patterns) and marine ecosystems.

Answer:

The two factors that determine the density of ocean water are salinity (amount of dissolved salts) and temperature.

Question 3