In an area of the deep ocean, hot magma emerges from a crack in Earth’s crust. Which statement describes what will happen to the seawater above the crack as a result of convection?
Answer
A
The water will become more dense and sink downward.
B
The water will become less dense and rise upward.
C
Water molecules will break apart and flow in a circular pattern.
D
Water molecules will bond together and rise upward.
Explanation
Magma heats the seawater above the crack. As water warms, it expands and becomes less dense than the cooler surrounding water, so it rises. This is convection; the correct choice is “The water will become less dense and rise upward.”
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