Because salinity (in concert with temperature) affects the density of seawater, it can play a role in its vertical stratification. Essentially, lower salinity water (= lower density) floats on top of higher salinity water (= higher density).
Alternative definition, a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility: You have the alternative of riding or walking. See more.
noun hypothesis, argument. 1  presumption star. 2  basis star. 3  assertion star. 4  proposition star. 5  thesis star. 6  assumption star. 7  ground star. 8  supposition star. 9  evidence star. 10  postulation star. 11  presupposition star. 12  posit star. 13  postulate star. 14  proof star. 15  apriorism star.