Here are some key things to remember about salinity:
* It varies greatly: Oceans have high salinity (around 35 ppt), while freshwater lakes and rivers have much lower salinity (less than 1 ppt).
* Factors affecting salinity: Several factors influence salinity, including:
* Evaporation: As water evaporates, salts are left behind, increasing salinity.
* Precipitation: Rain and snowfall dilute the water, reducing salinity.
* River runoff: Rivers carry freshwater, diluting saltwater bodies.
* Ice formation: Freezing water leaves salts behind, increasing salinity in the remaining water.
Salinity plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems:
* Different organisms have different salinity tolerances: Some species thrive in high salinity environments, while others require low salinity.
* Water density is affected by salinity: Higher salinity means denser water, which affects ocean currents and mixing.
Overall, salinity is a critical factor in understanding the physical and biological characteristics of aquatic environments.