One of the known properties of the ocean is its saltiness. However, have you ever wondered why is the ocean actually salty compared to other bodies of water? A lot of stories and myths have circulated on why the ocean is salty. But to know about the real reason, read below.
Rainwater can be somewhat acidic because of carbonic acid, which is formed through the mixture of water and carbon dioxide. This happens when dissolved carbon dioxide from the air becomes part of the rain. In effect, rainwater can have an acidic reaction when it reaches the rocks. These can break down and get eroded. The dissolved state of these rocks is transported to the different bodies of water like streams, rivers, and to the ocean. Some of these salts are used by different creatures in the ocean, while others are not utilized causing the build up of salt eventually. If the same water in the ocean comes from other bodies of water, then why is the water in lakes, rivers and streams taste fresh? These bodies of water also contain salts but in less concentration compared to the ocean. When the river flows, salt minerals that come from the soil and rocks are carried to the ocean. It is through the water openings why there is no salt build up in the other bodies of water. But when there are no other passages of water, like in the ocean, salt concentration increases. Ocean water only leaves through evaporation but salts stay behind. This makes the water in the ocean saltier in the long run.
Another reason why the water in the ocean is salty is because of the ocean’s floor itself. It holds various minerals and other organic materials, which are gradually broken down and dissolved in the ocean due to the movements of water. As this slowly consumes the ocean floor, the concentration of salt in the water is also increasing. Also, the ocean creates further dissolved minerals whenever it replenishes itself. This again makes the ocean water more salty.
Sodium and chloride are the two kinds of minerals that are mostly present in the ocean water. Approximately 3.5% of the water’s weight is dissolved salts. The Red Sea and the Persian Gulf are considered the saltiest water because of the absence of water passages and high rates of evaporation. On the other hand, the seas in the polar regions are the least salty due to the liquefying ice and the abundant rain which reduces the salinity of the water.
