Thermohaline Circulation

The word combines: thermo → temperature haline → salinity Cold water is usually denser than warm water. Higher salinity also generally increases seawater density. In some high-latitude regions, cold salty surface water can become dense enough to sink. This sinking contributes to deep ocean circulation. The circulation helps move heat and dissolved substances across ocean basins. Conceptually: **Density = function of temperature and salinity** Lower temperature → density generally increases. Higher salinity → density generally increases.