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.
Alternative forms. ( 1 abbreviated): See etc. ( 2 dated): & cetera. ( 3 obsolete): et caetera, et cÃ¦tera. ( proscribed): 1  etcetera. (hypercorrect, obsolete): et ceterÃ¦.