What is the process whereby different temperature layers form in water bodies due to density differences?

The process where different temperature layers form in water bodies due to variations in density is known as thermal stratification. This phenomenon occurs when water at different temperatures occupies distinct layers, with warmer water typically remaining on top of cooler, denser water. This stratification is largely influenced by temperature, as warmer water is less dense and tends to rise, while cooler water sinks.

Thermal stratification is significant in understanding the behavior of lakes and reservoirs, particularly how it affects oxygen levels, nutrient distribution, and aquatic life. During warmer months, for example, a water body may stratify into an upper layer, called the epilimnion, a middle layer known as the metalimnion, and a lower layer called the hypolimnion. This division impacts the ecosystem, including the distribution of fish and other aquatic organisms.

The other options do not accurately define the layering due to density differences. For instance, thermal inversion typically refers to a situation in the atmosphere where temperature increases with altitude rather than decreasing, which is not applicable to water bodies. Thermal dynamic response is a broader term that might encompass temperature effects but doesn't specifically address the layering phenomenon. Thermal layering is a vague term that doesn't capture the scientific principles at play in thermal stratification.