MasteryExams
Geography • Physical GeographyMedium

In oceanography, what is the zone of rapid temperature change with depth in the oceans called?

A. Halocline
B. Pycnocline
C. Thermocline✓ Correct Answer
D. Bathypelagic zone

💡 Solution & Explanation

A thermocline is defined as the distinct layer in a large body of water where temperature changes more rapidly with depth than in the layers above or below, acting as a thermal barrier between surface and deep waters. Haloclines denote zones of rapid salinity change, whereas pycnoclines represent regions of rapid density variation with depth.

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