why does salinity vary in different seas and oceans?
2007-12-26 14:41:45 · 2 answers · asked by sweetu.honey 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Salinity will vary due to the amount of fresh water coming into the ocean (from rivers, creeks, and other fresh water runoff).
Plus, there are underwater "rivers" where fresh water can well up from under the crust in a few places and that fresh water enters the ocean.
The fresh water and salt water eventually mix together, but will remain somewhat separate for a time until ocean currents and normal motion of the water mixes the two together.
2007-12-26 14:48:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply put:
Water is always evaporating from the surface
of the ocean. It leaves its salt behind.
Fresh water is always being added by rivers,
rain, melting ice, etc.
In places where the evaporation is removing water
faster than fresh water is being added, the ocean
will be saltier.
2007-12-26 15:18:13 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋