Final answer:
Salinity also affects temperature by altering water density and heat capacity, contributing to thermal expansion as water warms. the correct option is (B).
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that affects the temperature of ocean water is depth. As you go deeper into the ocean, the amount of sunlight decreases, leading to cooler temperatures. This is also influenced by solar radiation, which warms the water's surface, creating distinct layers with different temperatures.
The water temperature significantly impacts many aspects of the ocean environment, including the growth rates of organisms and the levels of dissolved oxygen, which is essential for respiration.
Another factor influencing temperature is salinity. Salinity and temperature are abiotic factors that affect aquatic life. High salt concentrations in freshwater biomes can be intolerable for many organisms, indirectly impacting temperature by changing the water's density and heat capacity.
As the ocean’s temperature rises, the overall temperature of the oceans increases, leading to thermal expansion, where the less dense water occupies a larger volume, raising sea levels.