Which mechanism governs the formation of deep water masses critical for thermohaline circulation?

💡 Explanation

When surface water cools at high latitudes (e.g., near Greenland or Antarctica), density increases alongside salinity due to ice formation rejecting salt, causing the water to sink (convection) and drive the thermohaline circulation. Therefore, cooling and increased salinity drive deep water formation rather than other factors influencing shallower dynamics.

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