Open spaces in water's solid structure makes its solid state less dense than its liquid state.
Explanation:
Water unlike other liquids is special. It contracts when cooled, down to a temperature of 4°C but thereafter begins to expand as it reaches 0°C and turns into ice.
This property is useful for the preservation of marine life in very cold temperatures. During winter, the surface water in water lakes and rivers starts cooling. Upon reaching the temperature of 4°C, the surface water descends to the bottom as it denser.
This help in the maintenance of temperature of the water at the bottom at 4°C. It is in this layer that marine life is sustained.
