Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← GeographyWhich mechanism primarily drives deep ocean thermohaline circulation patterns globally?
A)Surface wind stress dragging water
B)Density gradients from salinity differences✓
C)Tidal forces exerting gravitational pull
D)Seismic activity causing water displacement
💡 Explanation
When cooled saltwater becomes dense, density-driven convection occurs because gravity pulls denser water downwards, creating vertical circulation. Therefore, salinity creates strong density gradients, driving deep thermohaline currents globally, rather than wind, tides, or seismic activity, which impact surface currents differentially.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse Geography →- Which risk increases when rapid urbanization constricts a river channel with natural levees?
- Which erosional process primarily drives the formation of a cirque in mountainous regions?
- Which mechanism generates stable, slow-moving 'laminar' flow in a meandering stream channel?
- Which weathering process causes exfoliation domes in granitic landforms?
- Which mechanism significantly reduces sediment deposition speed in an alluvial fan channel during a flash flood event?
- Which outcome results following increased deposition in river meander?
