Which mechanism most directly drives density-driven thermohaline circulation in the ocean Antarctic Bottom Water formation zones?

💡 Explanation

When very cold water reaches the high latitudes in the Weddell and Ross Seas, surface water cools and brine rejection occurs due to sea ice formation. This increases salinity and density causing the water to sink. Therefore cooling and brine rejection directly drive thermohaline circulation initiation, rather than wind, tides, or geothermal activity.

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