Saltwater

Saltwater or seawater is water from a sea or ocean. On average, seawater in the world's oceans has a salinity of about 3.5%. This means that every kilogram (roughly one liter by volume) of seawater has approximately 35 grams (1.2 oz) of dissolved salts (predominantly sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) ions). Most of the ocean's salts were released from volcanic activity or extracted from cool igneous rocks. The ocean is also a continual reservoir of dissolved atmospheric gases, which are essential for the survival of many aquatic life forms. Sea water has an important influence on the world's climate, with the oceans acting as a large heat reservoir. Shifts in the oceanic temperature distribution can cause significant weather shifts, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

Composition

Seawater is composed of many different elements, including sodium and chloride ions, but also other minerals and trace elements. These elements are essential for the survival of many aquatic life forms. The composition of seawater is a reflection of the processes that have shaped it, including volcanic activity, the weathering of rocks, and the biological activities of marine organisms.

Salinity

Salinity is a measure of the amount of salts in seawater. The average salinity of seawater is about 3.5%, but this can vary depending on location and depth. Salinity can affect the density of seawater, which in turn can influence ocean currents and the distribution of heat in the ocean.

Temperature

The temperature of seawater can vary widely, from -2°C to 30°C. Temperature variations can influence the density of seawater, and thus affect ocean currents. The temperature of seawater also has a significant impact on the types of organisms that can survive in different parts of the ocean.

Ocean currents

Ocean currents are driven by a variety of factors, including the rotation of the Earth, the heat of the sun, the salinity and temperature of seawater, and the wind. These currents play a crucial role in distributing heat around the planet, and thus have a significant impact on the world's climate.

Impact on climate

The oceans act as a large heat reservoir, absorbing heat from the sun and releasing it slowly over time. This helps to moderate the Earth's climate. Changes in the temperature distribution of the oceans can lead to significant shifts in weather patterns, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

See also

• Oceanography
• Marine biology
• Hydrology
• Water cycle

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