Question

respond to the following based on your reading. question 1 briefly explain how variations in water density can cause horizontal convection currents in seawater. question 2 briefly explain the forces that drive thermohaline circulation between the pacific and atlantic oceans.

Explanation:

Question 1: Variations in water density create horizontal convection currents. Denser water sinks and less - dense water rises. Differences in temperature and salinity cause density variations. Warmer, less - salty water is less dense and cooler, saltier water is denser. This density gradient drives horizontal movement of seawater as the denser water moves towards areas of less dense water.
Question 2: Thermohaline circulation between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is driven by differences in temperature and salinity. Cold, salty water in the North Atlantic is dense and sinks, creating a deep - water current. Surface water then moves in to replace it. In the Pacific, warmer and less - salty water has different density. The temperature and salinity differences create a density gradient that drives the circulation, along with wind - driven surface currents and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect).

Answer:

Question 1: Differences in water density due to temperature and salinity create a gradient that drives horizontal movement of seawater as denser water moves towards less - dense water.
Question 2: Differences in temperature and salinity create a density gradient, along with wind - driven surface currents and the Coriolis effect.