Explain how thermohaline circulation is influenced by salinity and temperature.

Thermohaline circulation is the process involving the temperature (thermo-) and salinity (-haline) particularly in the currents in the deeper parts of the ocean. This is evident especially in the formation and melting of the polar ice caps. When ice caps form, there will be no salt in the ice because of the higher freezing point. In consequence, the surrounding water will become saltier and more dense; and this cooler, denser water will sink and the warmer, less dense water in the deep will rise. This process will generate the deep sea currents.