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.
1. adjective. An explanation or statement that is plausible seems likely to be true or valid. A more plausible explanation would seem to be that people are fed up with the Conservative government. That explanation seems entirely plausible to me. Synonyms: believable, possible, likely, reasonable More Synonyms of plausible.