Ocean salinity

Ocean salinity is the saltiness of the seas. It ranges from 32 to 37 parts per thousand of dissolved salts, averaging about 35 parts per thousand. Most of the saltiness of the seas is in the form of dissolved sodium chloride, which is the same as table salt. There are, however, many other dissolved salts in the seas as well. Dissolved materials in sea water are derived from weathering of minerals and rocks on land. The dissolved elements are transported to the sea by rivers. Some salts are also introduced into sea water by underwater eruptions of sea-floor volcanoes and volcanic vents. Evaporation concentrates salts in sea water, up to the point where the water becomes saturated with those salts. (Encyclopedia.com n.d.)