Which of the following is true

1. Water with high salinity is denser than water with low salinity

2. Cold water is denser than warm water

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

• Water with high salinity is indeed denser than water with low salinity. This is because the dissolved salts in the water increase its mass without significantly increasing its volume, leading to greater density.
• Cold water is denser than warm water. As water cools, its molecules move closer together, increasing its density. This is why cold water sinks below warm water in bodies of water.

 Additional Information

• Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in water. It is typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt).
• In oceans, salinity averages about 35 ppt, but it can be higher in areas with high evaporation rates and lower in areas with freshwater input.
• Water density is a crucial factor in ocean circulation, influencing the formation of currents and the mixing of ocean layers.
• Thermohaline circulation is the large-scale ocean circulation driven by global density gradients created by surface heat and freshwater fluxes.