What happens to ocean water as it moves from antarctica to the equator? it transfers thermal energy to deeper layers of the ocean. it becomes less dense and rises to the surface. it transfers thermal energy to the area, warming the equatorial waters. it becomes more dense and sinks to the ocean bottom. what happens to ocean water as it moves from antarctica to the equator? it transfers thermal energy to deeper layers of the ocean. it becomes less dense and rises to the surface. it transfers thermal energy to the area, warming the equatorial waters. it becomes more dense and sinks to the ocean bottom.