Which effect results when an offshore thermal vent heats density-stratified ocean streams?

A)Downwelling current rate weakens noticeably✓

B)Increased methane hydrate formation occurs mostly

C)Littoral upwelling rate rises sharply

D)Localized halocline develops instantaneously offshore

💡 Explanation

The downwelling rate weakens because thermal heating at the vent reduces water density, decreasing the density gradient driving thermohaline circulation, therefore convective sinking slows down. Hydrate formation and haloclines involve cold and salinity issues, rather than thermal input, from hydrothermal vents.

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Which effect results when an offshore thermal vent heats density-stratified ocean streams?

💡 Explanation

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