Why is the Antarctic bottom water found beneath (or deeper) than North Atlantic Deep water? Choose all that apply.Question 3Select one or more:Antarctic bottom water is much colderAntarctic bottom water is denserNorth Atlantic deep water is denserNorth Atlantic deep water drives the THC
Question
Why is the Antarctic bottom water found beneath (or deeper) than North Atlantic Deep water? Choose all that apply.Question 3Select one or more:Antarctic bottom water is much colderAntarctic bottom water is denserNorth Atlantic deep water is denserNorth Atlantic deep water drives the THC
Solution
The Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) is found beneath or deeper than the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) due to the following reasons:
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Antarctic Bottom Water is much colder: The Antarctic Bottom Water is formed in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, which is much colder than the North Atlantic Ocean. This cold temperature increases the density of the water, causing it to sink below the warmer, less dense water.
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Antarctic Bottom Water is denser: In addition to being colder, the Antarctic Bottom Water is also denser due to its high salinity. The process of sea ice formation around Antarctica leaves behind salt, which increases the salinity and therefore the density of the surrounding water. This dense water sinks below the less dense North Atlantic Deep Water.
The other options are incorrect:
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North Atlantic Deep Water is not denser: As explained above, the Antarctic Bottom Water is denser due to its colder temperature and higher salinity.
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North Atlantic Deep Water does not drive the Thermohaline Circulation (THC): While the North Atlantic Deep Water does contribute to the Thermohaline Circulation, it is not the driving force. The sinking of the dense Antarctic Bottom Water in the Southern Ocean is one of the main drivers of this global "conveyor belt" of ocean currents.
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