4
practice testMultiple Choice

Practice Test

Question 4 • Earth and Space Science

Assume that heavy rainfall suddenly lowers surface salinity at the river mouth. What is the most likely outcome?

Answer
A
Mixing would strengthen because the surface becomes more like deep water.
B
Deep salinity would increase, driving stronger circulation.
C
Mixing would weaken further because surface water becomes less dense.
D
Mixing would not change because rainfall has no effect on salinity.

Explanation

Freshwater from heavy rainfall lowers the surface water’s salinity, making it less dense. The density difference between the fresher surface water and saltier deep water becomes larger, which tends to reduce vertical mixing. So the most likely outcome is that mixing would weaken further because surface water becomes less dense.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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