Final answer:
The thermocline in the ocean is the boundary between warm shallow waters and deep cold waters. It affects the distribution of marine organisms and the mixing of water currents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thermocline is the boundary between warm shallow waters and deep cold waters in the ocean. It is the layer of water where there is a significant difference in temperature compared to the surrounding layers. This temperature gradient creates a barrier that affects the distribution of marine organisms and the mixing of water currents.
For example, in the Southern Ocean, the Subtropical Convergence is a transition zone where the cold, dense waters of the Southern Ocean meet the warmer waters of other oceans. This convergence creates an upwelling and mixing zone, which is beneficial for the productivity of marine life.