The water from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans does mix to some extent, but there are several factors that contribute to the distinct properties and differences between these two bodies of water. These factors include:
Ocean currents: The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans have different patterns of ocean currents. Ocean currents act as large-scale flows of water, and they play a crucial role in the distribution of heat, nutrients, and dissolved substances. The different circulation patterns in the two oceans can lead to variations in temperature, salinity, and other properties, which can hinder complete mixing.
Temperature differences: The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans experience different temperature regimes due to variations in solar radiation, ocean currents, and geographical factors. These temperature differences can create gradients that impede the mixing of water masses.
Salinity variations: Salinity, which refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in water, can vary between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The distribution of precipitation, evaporation rates, freshwater input from rivers, and ocean currents all contribute to differences in salinity. Variations in salinity can affect the density of water, leading to stratification and inhibiting thorough mixing.
Geographic barriers: The presence of land masses, such as continents and underwater ridges, can act as physical barriers that restrict the free flow of water between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These barriers can impede the mixing of water masses and maintain some level of separation.
While the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans do mix over time, the complex interplay of these factors results in noticeable distinctions between the two oceans in terms of temperature, salinity, and circulation patterns.