Where in the oceans do water molecules tend to be closer together due to colder temperatures?

In the oceans, water molecules tend to be closer together in regions with colder temperatures, which occurs primarily near the poles. As water cools, the kinetic energy of the water molecules decreases, allowing them to come into closer proximity. This results in a higher density of water in colder regions, leading to the phenomenon of stratification in ocean water layers.

The poles, being significantly colder than other regions of the ocean such as the equator or subtropical areas, exhibit these characteristics prominently. Consequently, the water near the Arctic and Antarctic regions tends to be denser and more compact compared to warmer waters found closer to the equator where temperatures are higher, leading to more energetic and spaced-out water molecules.

Areas like coral reefs are usually found in warmer, shallower waters, which would not contribute to the compact arrangement of water molecules as seen in colder polar waters. Therefore, the understanding of how temperature affects the density and arrangement of water molecules confirms that closer proximity is seen in colder, polar regions.