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Ocean Circulation in the North Atlantic

Sea Surface Density

The density of seawater is affected by ocean salinity and temperature. Water with a higher salt concentration is denser than water with a lower salt concentration. Colder seawater is denser than warmer seawater. Density determines whether something—be it a solid object or a liquid—will float or sink. Waters with the highest density will sink and become the bottom waters of the deep ocean.

Here is a map showing the average global sea surface density over a long period of time. Focus on the North Atlantic basin. Based on the density data in this map, in which regions or areas of the North Atlantic do you think the water will sink? Click Visualize It to begin.
An image titled Sea Surface Density.
The image shows the density of the ocean surface. Shades of blue on a global map show the long-term average sea surface density. Dark-blue regions have the greatest density, while light-blue regions have lowest density. Regions with the highest density include waters of the North Atlantic around the tip of Greenland, between Greenland and Europe, and around Antarctica. Low-density regions include the waters around the equator.

Take Notes

Take Notes

Explain why you circled the specific areas that you did. Provide evidence from the density map, sea surface temperature map, or other sources to support your explanation.

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