What maintains the permanent thermocline found at all low and mid-latitudes?

a. Continual upwelling
b. Warm water currents
c. Density stratification
d. Downwelling


ANS: A
The thermohaline flow of water rises to the surface in temperate and tropical zones very gradually. It
sinks back down rapidly once it is in the colder waters at the poles. This diffuse upwelling of deep
water maintains the thermoclines. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation
Affects All the Ocean's Water.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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