7 SOURCES OF OCEAN SALINITY скачать в хорошем качестве

7 SOURCES OF OCEAN SALINITY

Ocean salinity, the concentration of salts in seawater, is influenced by various natural processes. Here are seven key sources of ocean salinity: Rivers and Surface Runoff: Rivers carry dissolved minerals and salts from the land into the oceans. When water flows over rocks and soil, it picks up ions like sodium and chloride, contributing to the ocean's salinity. Volcanic Eruptions: Underwater and coastal volcanic eruptions release gases and ash that contain various minerals and salts, which eventually dissolve in seawater, adding to its salinity. Hydrothermal Vents: These are openings on the ocean floor where heated, mineral-rich water is expelled from beneath the Earth's crust. This water is rich in dissolved minerals, including salts, which mix with the surrounding seawater, increasing its salinity. Weathering of Rocks: The chemical weathering of rocks on land and beneath the ocean floor releases salts and minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are then carried by rivers or directly dissolve into seawater, contributing to salinity. Evaporation: In regions where evaporation rates are high, such as in warm, dry climates, water evaporates from the ocean surface, leaving salts behind. This process increases the concentration of salts in the remaining seawater. Precipitation of Salt Minerals: In some oceanic regions, certain minerals precipitate out of seawater, forming solid salts. While this process temporarily reduces salinity, the ongoing dissolution of other minerals elsewhere continuously replenishes the salts in the ocean. Atmospheric Deposition: Wind can carry dust and other particles containing salts from the land or sea spray into the atmosphere, where they can be deposited back into the ocean by rainfall or directly as dry particles, adding to ocean salinity.