How does temperature affect the stability of saltwater compared to freshwater?

Saltwater has a higher density than freshwater due to the presence of dissolved salts. This increased density influences the buoyancy of vessels, allowing them to float higher in saltwater compared to freshwater. When a vessel is in saltwater, the higher density of the medium provides more buoyant force, leading to a greater submerged volume for the same weight of the vessel.

This principle is critical for stability calculations, because higher buoyancy contributes to a more stable floating condition. In practical terms, vessels designed for operation in marine environments must account for this difference in density when determining stability criteria, such as metacentric height and righting arms.

The effects of temperature on both saltwater and freshwater are more about changes to density and buoyancy rather than the stability calculations directly. While it is true that temperature can affect the density of both saltwater and freshwater, the primary focus of this question is on the inherent density difference between the two types of water, which directly impacts stability characteristics in a more significant manner.