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18. Unlike fresh water, ocean water does not have a specific freezing point. Growing ice crystals exclude salt, which concentrates in the remaining liquid. The higher salinities result in a brine that lowers the temperature at which water freezes. Some of the brine is encapsulated within ice crystals, but most is trapped in the spaces between neighboring crystals. When air temperature falls below 0°C, the brine migrates downward towards the higher water temperatures below. Eventually, the high-density brine drains into the water beneath the ice. In the process, the sea ice freshens while the salinity of the underlying ocean water and becomes а. increases ... less dense b. increases ... more dense с. decreases ... less dense d. decreases ... more dense

18. Unlike fresh water, ocean water does not have a specific freezing point. Growing ice crystals exclude salt, which concentrates in the remaining liquid. The higher salinities result in a brine that lowers the temperature at which water freezes. Some of the brine is encapsulated within ice crystals, but most is trapped in the spaces between neighboring crystals. When air temperature falls below 0°C, the brine migrates downward towards the higher water temperatures below. Eventually, the high-density brine drains into the water beneath the ice. In the process, the sea ice freshens while the salinity of the underlying ocean water and becomes а. increases ... less dense b. increases ... more dense с. decreases ... less dense d. decreases ... more dense

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Understanding the Freezing Process of Ocean Water **Ocean Water Freezing Dynamics** Unlike fresh water, ocean water does not freeze at a specific temperature due to its salinity. As ice crystals form in ocean water, they expel salt, which then concentrates in the remaining liquid water. This process results in higher salinity content, culminating in the formation of brine. This brine alters the freezing point by lowering the temperature at which water freezes. Some of the brine becomes encapsulated within the ice crystals, while a majority is trapped in the interstitial spaces between adjacent ice crystals. When air temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F), the dense brine starts to migrate downwards, attracted to the regions with higher water temperatures below. **Salinity and Density Changes** - The high-density brine eventually drains into the water beneath the ice, leading to a freshening of the sea ice. - This process alters the salinity of the underlying ocean water. ### Multiple-Choice Question To assess your understanding, consider the following question: When the sea ice freshens due to the drainage of high-density brine, the salinity of the underlying ocean water: - a. **increases ... less dense** - b. **increases ... more dense** - c. **decreases ... less dense** - d. **decreases ... more dense** The correct answer is: **increases ... more dense** (option b). This indicates that as salinity increases, the water becomes denser due to the added salts from the brine.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Freezing Process of Ocean Water **Ocean Water Freezing Dynamics** Unlike fresh water, ocean water does not freeze at a specific temperature due to its salinity. As ice crystals form in ocean water, they expel salt, which then concentrates in the remaining liquid water. This process results in higher salinity content, culminating in the formation of brine. This brine alters the freezing point by lowering the temperature at which water freezes. Some of the brine becomes encapsulated within the ice crystals, while a majority is trapped in the interstitial spaces between adjacent ice crystals. When air temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F), the dense brine starts to migrate downwards, attracted to the regions with higher water temperatures below. **Salinity and Density Changes** - The high-density brine eventually drains into the water beneath the ice, leading to a freshening of the sea ice. - This process alters the salinity of the underlying ocean water. ### Multiple-Choice Question To assess your understanding, consider the following question: When the sea ice freshens due to the drainage of high-density brine, the salinity of the underlying ocean water: - a. **increases ... less dense** - b. **increases ... more dense** - c. **decreases ... less dense** - d. **decreases ... more dense** The correct answer is: **increases ... more dense** (option b). This indicates that as salinity increases, the water becomes denser due to the added salts from the brine.
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