Question

Как изменяется солёность в толще воды мирового океана ?

Answer 1

Соленость вод океана не везде одинакова. На величину солености влияют следующие процессы:

испарение воды. При этом процессе соли с водой не испаряются;

льдообразование;

выпадение атмосферных осадков, понижающих соленость;

сток речных вод. Соленость вод океана у материков значительно меньше, чем в центре океана, так как воды рек опресняют ее;

таяние льдов.

Answer 2

Changes in Salinity in the World's Oceans

The salinity of water in the world's oceans can vary depending on several factors. Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride, in the water. It is typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or practical salinity units (psu).

1. Vertical Variation in Salinity: The salinity of ocean water generally decreases with depth. This is because various processes, such as evaporation, precipitation, and the mixing of different water masses, can affect the distribution of salt in the ocean. As water evaporates from the surface, it leaves behind the dissolved salts, increasing the salinity of the remaining water. Conversely, when precipitation occurs, it dilutes the seawater, reducing its salinity. The mixing of different water masses, such as warm surface water and cold deep water, can also influence salinity levels.

2. Factors Affecting Salinity: Several factors can influence the salinity of ocean water:

- Evaporation and Precipitation: Regions with high evaporation rates, such as the tropics, tend to have higher salinity levels, while areas with high precipitation rates, such as the polar regions, have lower salinity levels. - River Inputs: Rivers carry freshwater into the oceans, which can lower the salinity in coastal areas where rivers discharge. For example, the Amazon River contributes a significant amount of freshwater to the Atlantic Ocean, reducing the salinity in that region. - Sea Ice Formation and Melting: When seawater freezes to form sea ice, the salt is excluded from the ice, increasing the salinity of the surrounding water. Conversely, when sea ice melts, it releases freshwater into the ocean, reducing the salinity. - Ocean Circulation: Ocean currents play a role in redistributing heat and salt around the globe. These currents can transport water masses with different salinity levels, leading to variations in salinity across different regions.

3. Salinity Distribution: The distribution of salinity in the world's oceans is not uniform. The Atlantic Ocean generally has higher salinity levels compared to the Pacific Ocean, primarily due to differences in evaporation and precipitation patterns. The Indian Ocean, on the other hand, has intermediate salinity levels.

It's important to note that while the general patterns of salinity distribution are well-established, there can be local and regional variations due to factors such as coastal processes, upwelling, and human activities.

In conclusion, the salinity of water in the world's oceans can vary vertically and horizontally due to factors such as evaporation, precipitation, river inputs, sea ice formation and melting, and ocean circulation. These factors contribute to the complex distribution of salinity in the world's oceans.