Question

Explain the horizontal distribution of salinity in the open regions.

Answer 1

Answer:

The surface salinity of oceans decreases on either side of the tropics. For instance, the surface salinity along the Tropic of Cancer is around 36 parts per thousand (ppt) while at the equator it's around 35 parts per thousand.

• The salinity for normal Open Ocean ranges between 33o/oo and 37 o/oo.
• The highest salinity is recorded between 15° and 20° latitudes.
• Maximum salinity (37 o/oo) is observed between 20° N and 30° N and 20° W – 60° W.
• The salinity gradually decreases towards the north.