What is a halocline?

A halocline refers to the boundary layer that exists between fresh and salt water, where there is a significant change in salinity over a relatively short vertical distance. This phenomenon is often encountered in bodies of water where freshwater from rivers meets the denser saltwater from the ocean, creating distinct layers that can affect buoyancy and visibility. Understanding haloclines is essential for divers, particularly in cavern diving scenarios, where differing salinity can create unique underwater environments and challenges. The other concepts mentioned do not accurately describe a halocline; they pertain to different aspects of underwater exploration and cave systems.