Which of the following is a consequence of temperature differences in ocean water?

The consequence of temperature differences in ocean water that is correct is the formation of ocean currents. Temperature variations create differences in water density; warmer water is less dense than cooler water. This variation in density causes water to move, initiating currents.

These currents are significant for several reasons: they help distribute heat around the planet, influence climate patterns, and affect marine life and ecosystems by transporting nutrients, organisms, and gases. Therefore, temperature differences play a crucial role in driving these currents, making them a fundamental aspect of ocean dynamics and global climate processes.

Other options may relate to marine science concepts but do not capture the primary consequence linked directly to temperature differences in water. For example, while temperature can influence fish populations and nutrient cycling, the direct relationship between temperature and the physical movement of water is most accurately embodied by ocean currents. Similarly, salinity gradients are affected by other factors like evaporation and freshwater input rather than temperature alone. Hence, the formation of ocean currents stands out as the most direct consequence of temperature differences in ocean water.