The question is best interpreted as: "Which bodies of water, specifically where seas or oceans meet, do not mix?"
Here's a breakdown of where this phenomenon occurs:
Seas and Oceans That Don't Mix
One of the most notable instances where water bodies meet but do not mix is the convergence of the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Gulf of Alaska.
Why Don't They Mix?
These waters don't mix immediately due to differences in their properties:
- Temperature: Water temperatures often vary significantly between different bodies of water.
- Salinity: The amount of salt content can differ dramatically. For instance, freshwater runoff from melting glaciers entering an ocean can create a stark salinity difference.
- Density: The combination of temperature and salinity affects the density of water. Denser water will sink below less dense water, creating a visible barrier.
Examples:
- The Gulf of Alaska: This is a prime example where the distinct waters of the Arctic and Pacific Oceans meet, displaying a clear visual line but not immediately blending.
Further Insights:
- These boundaries are not permanent; over time, mixing does occur through currents and diffusion. However, the process is slow enough that the visual separation is noticeable.
- The phenomenon is sometimes mistaken for an indication of different levels of pollution; however, this is not the primary cause of non-mixing.
Summary
While the phenomenon of water bodies not mixing immediately at their boundaries is well-known, the specific example of the Arctic and Pacific Ocean meeting at the Gulf of Alaska is a prominent display of this. The differences in temperature, salinity and density are the key factors that prevent immediate mixing.
