The figure below shows the formation and sinking of dense water in the Arctic Ocean between Greenland and northwest Europe. Why is there an increased density of surface waters in this region?

Question

bayleejadee · Answer

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bayleejadee · Answer

A. Evaporation increases salinity, and heavy polar air increases atmospheric pressure.
B. Evaporation increases salinity, and cool atmospheric temperatures decrease water temperature.
C. Formation of sea ice increases salinity, and heavy polar air increases atmospheric pressure.
D. Formation of sea ice increases salinity, and cool atmospheric temperatures decrease water temperature.

bayleejadee · Answer

@royalranger

royalranger · Answer

Sorry i never got a notification for some reason

bayleejadee · Answer

It's fine (: can you help me?

royalranger · Answer

I dont know, but its worth a shot.

bayleejadee · Answer

Thanks!

royalranger · Answer

Alright so, both the formation of ice and evaporation lead to increased salinity, so that is no help.

bayleejadee · Answer

It may not have helped me narrow down my choices but it did make me laugh so, thanks lol

royalranger · Answer

haha. So, i don't think that the heavy polar air increases the atmospheric pressure, because anywhere in the world, the higher you go, the less atmospheric pressure, and the closer you are to sea level, the higher the atmospheric pressure. But damn this is a tricky one

bayleejadee · Answer

Alright, so then I'm assuming it isn't A or C

royalranger · Answer

I think, because as we get closer to the pole, it gets colder. Notice how the cold current in the picture heads down, while the warm water heads up? so i think it has to do with the temperature of the water, which is either B or D

bayleejadee · Answer

Science definitely isn't my strong suite if you haven't noticed already. So, if evaporation and formation of ice both increase salinity, how do I choose between B or D?

royalranger · Answer

I guess whichever increases the salinity of the ocean more than the other.

bayleejadee · Answer

Alright, thank you so much! You're a lifesaver

royalranger · Answer

No problem, just read up and see what you come up with. if anything, we might have narrowed down the wrong answers lol. good luck