Density Inversions in the Ocean Ben Kravitz

Potential Density Potential Density (ρ θ ) is the density a parcel of water would have if raised adiabatically to the surface without a change in salinity. σ θ = ρ θ

Double Diffusion warm fresh water cool salty water

Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability

Places with Stable Density Inversions Mediterranean Sea outflow Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Mediterranean Sea outflow into Atlantic Ocean m sea surface m intruding layer of warm, salty water σ θ = Atlantic water at σ θ = density inversion σ θ naturally decreases moving upward