density current Current that is produced by differences in density. Where a flow of sea water has a greater density than that surrounding it, the more dense water will dive beneath the less dense water. Density of sea water is affected by temperature, salinity, and the content of suspended sediment. A turbidity current is a gravity-controlled density current, in which the density contrast is due to the high suspended-sediment content. Most deep, and bottom, ocean currents are density currents.

density current A current that is produced by differences in density. Where a flow of sea water has a greater density than that surrounding it, the denser water will dive beneath the less dense water. The density of sea water is affected by temperature, salinity, and the content of suspended sediment. Most deep and bottom ocean currents are density currents. See also turbidity current.