Question

In the North Atlantic, water sinks in a few locations to form North Atlantic Deep Water. The sinking occurs because the water is:

a) Warm and salty
b) Cold and fresh
c) Warm and fresh
d) Cold and salty

Answer 1

In the North Atlantic, the formation of North Atlantic Deep Water is due to the sinking of water that is cold and salty, contributing to global thermohaline circulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the North Atlantic, water sinks to form North Atlantic Deep Water due to its high density. This sinking occurs because the water is cold and salty. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, and cold water is denser than warm water. Therefore, when surface waters in the North Atlantic cool down and retain a high salt content, they become dense enough to sink. This is a contributing factor to the global thermohaline circulation, often referred to as the global conveyor belt, which plays a critical role in regulating Earth's climate and supporting marine life.