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Question 7 • FHS 2016 TX-Earth and Space Science

What causes ocean water to become denser?

Answer
A
the salinity of water and high temperatures
B
the salinity of water and low temperatures
C
the concentration of oxygen and high temperatures
D
the concentration of oxygen and low temperatures

Explanation

Ocean water becomes denser when its salinity increases and its temperature decreases. More dissolved salt adds mass to a given volume of water, while colder water is generally denser than warmer water. Therefore, the correct choice is the salinity of water and low temperatures.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.