Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← GeographyWhich mechanism primarily drives deep ocean thermohaline circulation patterns globally?
A)Surface wind stress dragging water
B)Density gradients from salinity differences✓
C)Tidal forces exerting gravitational pull
D)Seismic activity causing water displacement
💡 Explanation
When cooled saltwater becomes dense, density-driven convection occurs because gravity pulls denser water downwards, creating vertical circulation. Therefore, salinity creates strong density gradients, driving deep thermohaline currents globally, rather than wind, tides, or seismic activity, which impact surface currents differentially.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse Geography →- Which surface feature is accelerated meltwater flow primarily responsible for where active solifluction lobes are present?
- At what temperature does lava viscosity reduce to cause accelerated lateral lava flow rates?
- Which risk escalates when increased Arctic air temperatures degrade permafrost layers under a sloped landscape?
- Along exposed sandstone coastlines, which outcome typically results with differential erosion?
- Which risk is heightened when coastal upwelling is abnormally reduced due to persistent high atmospheric pressure?
- Which geological feature primarily results from mantle upwelling during oceanic plate subduction?
