Ocean Composition Looking at this salinity map where

Ocean Composition

Looking at this salinity map, where do you think the higher salinity areas are?

Salinity – a measure of the amount of dissolved solids in a given amount of liquid. Top 3 Minerals found in oceans: 1. Sodium Chloride (sodium & chlorine) 2. Magnesium 3. Sulfur Salinity

Where does all that salt come from? • Weathering and erosion of rocks • Rain and dissolved salts and minerals that are deposited in the ocean

What affects salinity? Climate. Salinity Increases q. Coastal or tropical areas and places with hotter, drier climates have a higher salinity q. Heat INCREASES the evaporation rate. Evaporation removes water but leaves salts and other dissolved solids behind. q. Ice forming in the ocean. Salinity Decreases q. Coastal water in cooler, more humid places has a lower salinity. q. More fresh water from streams and rivers run into the ocean in these areas q. Glaciers melting add freshwater to the oceans

• What affects salinity? Water Movement q. Slower moving areas of water develop higher salinity • Example: bays, gulfs, seas, open ocean without currents running through them Dead Sea = Very Salty – 337 PPT (33. 7%) Baltic Sea = Not Very Salty – 10 PPT (1%)

Salinity, Density, and Temperature • Salt makes seawater more dense than freshwater • Oceans with a higher salinity are going to have a higher density due to the extra salts • Warmer water = lower density • Colder water = higher density *Water that is cold and high in salt will sink to the bottom of the ocean floor due to its density*