ConcepTest: Drivers of Ocean Salinity Variations
Question:
Imagine ocean circulation stopped suddenly, with half of the world's salts in the northern hemisphere and half in the southern hemisphere. Assuming no net difference between evaporation and precipitation (E-P=0) in both hemispheres, where would salinity be highest?
A. Northern Hemisphere
B. Southern Hemisphere
C. Equal in both hemispheres
Student Responses:
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No data yet. The correct response is A. The Northern Hemisphere has more land and less ocean area. With no exchange between the hemispheres to redistribute salts and no net water inputs to either basin, the volume of water is the key determinant of salinity variations.
