ocean water salinity - Geography Ebooks | TheGeoecologist

Question 1

What is the average salinity of ocean water?

Accepted Answer

The global average surface salinity is approximately 35 PSU (35 grams of dissolved salts per kilogram of seawater). However, values range from 40 PSU in the Red Sea.

Question 2

How does salinity affect ocean currents?

Accepted Answer

Salinity, together with temperature, determines seawater density. Dense (cold, salty) water sinks, driving deep thermohaline circulation. Surface currents are primarily wind-driven, but their density characteristics — set by salinity and temperature — determine whether they participate in deep-water formation.

Question 3

Which ocean has the highest average salinity?

Accepted Answer

The Atlantic Ocean has the highest average surface salinity (~35.5 PSU) among the major basins, due to its higher net evaporation and limited freshwater input compared to the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

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Ocean water salinity distribution: Complete Guide to Patterns, Factors & Study Resources