Salinity is the the total amount of dissolved salts in ocean water.

It’s generally expressed as

parts per thousand. The average salinity of the oceans is 35 parts per thousand (ppt). But the
exact levels in each ocean are not same, due to the effect of following factors:

● Evaporation and precipitation: High evaporation rates in warm regions increase salinity,
while heavy precipitation in equatorial areas dilutes seawater, reducing salinity.

● River runoff: Freshwater input from rivers can lower salinity near coastlines.

● Ice formation and melting: The formation of sea ice increases salinity in surrounding
waters, while melting ice decreases salinity.

● OkOcean currents: Currents mix and distribute saline waters, affecting regional salinity
levels.

1. Marine life: Salinity influences the distribution and survival of marine organisms, as
different species have specific salinity tolerances.

2. Ocean circulation: Salinity, along with temperature, affects seawater density, which
drives thermohaline circulation and the movement of deep ocean current

3. Climate: Ocean currents influenced by salinity help distribute heat from the tropics to the
poles, affecting global climate patterns.

4. Water cycle: Variations in salinity provide insights into the global water cycle, as they are
linked to evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater input from rivers and ice.

5. Coastal ecosystems: Changes in salinity can impact coastal ecosystems, as species

adapted to specific salinity levels may struggle to survive in altered conditions.

oceanic salinity variations are influenced by factors such as evaporation, precipitation, river
runoff, and ocean currents. These variations have significant effects on marine life, ocean
circulation, climate, the watercycle, and coastal ecosystems. Understanding and monitoring
oceanic salinity is crucial for predicting and mitigating potential impacts on the environment and
marine life.