The ocean's conveyor belt circulation is controlled by
A) gradients in temperature.
B) gradients in salinity.
C) gradients in density.
D) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ocean's conveyor belt circulation is controlled by all of the above factors: gradients in temperature, salinity, and density. These factors create differences in water density which drive the circulation patterns of the oceans. As warmer, less dense water moves toward the poles, it becomes cooler and denser and sinks to the ocean floor. This sinking creates a current that flows back toward the equator, completing the conveyor belt circulation. Salinity plays a crucial role in this process by affecting the density of seawater. Thus, the ocean's conveyor belt circulation is a complex system, influenced by multiple factors.

The Ocean's Conveyor Belt Circulation Is Controlled by