how does the sea water turn salty
Answers
Explanation:
Salt in the sea, or ocean salinity, is mainly caused by rain washing mineral ions from the land into water. Carbon dioxide in the air dissolves into rainwater, making it slightly acidic. ... Isolated bodies of water can become extra salty, or hypersaline, through evaporation.
Explanation:
Salt in the sea, or ocean salinity, is mainly caused by rain washing mineral ions from the land into water.
Carbon dioxide in the air dissolves into rainwater, making it slightly acidic. When rain falls, it weathers rocks, releasing mineral salts that separate into ions. These ions are carried with runoff water and ultimately reach the ocean.
Sodium and chloride, the main constituents of the type of salt used in cooking, make up over 90% of all the ions found in seawater. Around 3.5% of the weight of seawater comes from dissolved salts.
Some mineral ions are used by marine animals and plants, removing them from the water. The leftover minerals have built up in concentration over millions of years. Underwater volcanoes and hydrothermal vents on the seabed can also release salts into the ocean.
Isolated bodies of water can become extra salty, or hypersaline, through evaporation. The Dead Sea is an example of this. Its high salt content increases the water's density, which is why people float in the Dead Sea more easily than in the ocean.
Next question:
What is a coral reef?


Dive in
Explore pioneering marine science and life beneath the waves.

The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
Map
Open daily 10.00-17.50
Last entry 17.30
Closed 24-26 December
The Natural History
Museum at Tring
Akeman Street
Tring
Hertfordshire HP23 6AP
Map
Open Monday - Saturday
10.00-17.00
Sunday 14.00-17.00
Closed 24-26 December
Visit
What's on
Exhibitions and attractions
Galleries and Museum map
Access
Discover
Oceans
Human Evolution
Space
Dinosaurs
British wildlife
Anthropocene
Collections
News
Video
Blog
For schools
Things to do
Essential visiting information
Teaching resources
Careers
Current vacancies
Join and support
Membership
Gift membership
Make a donation
Become a Patron
Corporate partnerships
Take part
Volunteer
Citizen science
Identify UK nature
Centre for UK Biodiversity
Wildlife Photographer
of the Year competition
About us
News
Press office
Governance
Contact us
Online shop
Our science
Our work
Data
Collections
Departments and staff
Events and seminars
Courses and training
Library and Archives
Business services
Touring exhibitions
Consulting
Publishing
Film locations
NHM Images
Venue hire
Licensing
Legal
Privacy notice
Terms and conditions
Modern Slavery Statement
© The Trustees of The Natural History Museum, London
We use cookies and similar technologies to optimise your experience when u