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 sanctions refer to a system of sentencing options other than incarceration for low risk, convicted offenders who otherwise would be sentenced to prison. The program was intended to provide judges with a credible sentencing structure for these offenders without jeopardizing public safety. The use of alternative sanctions was also intended to assist the correction department in managing prison population growth.