Why don’t the Atlantic and the Pacific mix?

08/29/2023 at 19:35

CEST


In some intriguing images it is shown how the waters avoid mixing

Naked eye, It seems that the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans never mix, giving rise to a striking difference in color between them.. However, the reality is more complex. Although their waters do interact, it is salinity that plays a crucial role in this apparent separation.

The images of this division may give the impression of an insurmountable barrier, but the key lies in the density of the water. The darkness of the water is due to its higher salinity and density, while the other part contains fresh water from rivers, together with suspended sediments. These sediments are what we observe, creating the visual contrast.

It’s important pointing that, Despite the appearance, the waters mix with time. Differences in the resistance of molecules and in temperatures contribute to this dynamic. In addition, thermoclines, which are boundaries between waters of different temperatures, also influence this gradual mixing process.

In summary, although the Atlantic and Pacific oceans do mix, their unique properties, such as salinity and temperatures, create a deceptive appearance of separationreminding us that nature always keeps its own mysteries.

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