Salinity in sea water 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). Salinity levels can vary depending on factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater inputs from rivers and streams.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average salinity of ocean water is around 35 ppt. However, salinity levels can range from as low as 30 ppt in coastal areas to over 40 ppt in regions with high evaporation rates.
Reference:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Salinity. Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/salinity.html
Define salinity in sea water and give citation with references
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