Final answer:
The Mediterranean Intermediate Water becomes denser than the adjacent Atlantic Ocean primarily due to high evaporation rates that increase salinity, coupled with cooler water temperatures in winter. Differences in water density and regional climates are influenced by geographic features and climate types, including the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream on Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that causes the Mediterranean Intermediate Water (MIW) to become more dense than water in the adjacent Atlantic Ocean is primarily due to evaporation resulting from the dry climate of the Mediterranean region. The high temperatures and dry conditions lead to a significant loss of water through evaporation, increasing the salinity of the remaining water. Since water with higher salinity is denser, the MIW sinks beneath the less dense Atlantic water, creating a distinct layer.
Additionally, cooler temperatures in the Mediterranean during winter can further increase water density by cooling the surface water, which then sinks. This phenomenon is also related to the concept of thermal expansion, where water becomes less dense when it is warmer and more dense when it is cooler.
Various geographic features such as landforms, ocean currents, and climate types also significantly affect water density and regional climates. For example, the Gulf Stream has a moderating effect on Europe's climate, particularly in Western Europe, which has a moderate type C climate. This is crucial in understanding the overall climate dynamics and water density differences between regions, including the contrast between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.