Final answer:
The density of ocean water is altered by salinity and temperature, with salinity increasing density and temperature having an inverse effect. So, the correct answer to which characteristics change the density of ocean water is B) Salinity and temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics that alter the density of ocean water are salinity and temperature. These two factors have a profound influence on the density; as temperature increases, density tends to decrease because warmer water expands. Conversely, as salinity increases, density also increases because more salt in the water means more dissolved particles, thus increasing the mass per unit volume.
In terms of oceanography, the correct answer to the question which of the following characteristics alters the density of ocean water is B) Salinity and temperature. Wave speed and size do not have a direct effect on the density of sea