Chapter 30, Problem 17RQ

To determine

The factors that lead to increase and decrease the salinity of ocean

Answer to Problem 17RQ

The factors that lead to increase are formation of sea ice and evaporation and to decrease the salinity of ocean are run off streams, precipitation and melting of glacial ice.

Explanation of Solution

The amount of dissolved salt in sea water is called salinity. Salinity variation is influenced by the factors that increase or decrease the supplies of fresh water. The fresh water enters sea via run off from streams and rivers, precipitation, and melting of glacial and sea ice evaporation increases salinity, as salts are left behind.

The salinity increases as the supply of fresh water decreases. The factors that increase salinity include formation of sea ice and evaporation. Salinity decreases as the supply of freshwater increases. Factors that decrease salinity include the runoff streams and rivers, precipitation, and melting of glacial ice.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the factors that lead to increase are formation of sea ice and evaporation and to decrease the salinity of ocean are run off streams, precipitation and melting of glacial ice.