What is a key characteristic of warm water in relation to dissolved oxygen?

Warm water has the characteristic of decreasing oxygen levels due to the relationship between water temperature and its ability to hold dissolved gases. As water temperature rises, its capacity to dissolve gases like oxygen diminishes. This means that in warmer waters, the molecules are more energetic and less able to keep gas molecules dissolved.

Consequently, warmer waters can lead to lower levels of dissolved oxygen, which can impact aquatic life, as many organisms rely on this oxygen for survival. This phenomenon is critical to understand when assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems, particularly during the summer months or in climate conditions leading to elevated water temperatures.