How does seawater salinity affect marine life?
Seawater salinity affects marine life by influencing osmoregulation, metabolic processes, and species distribution. Organisms adapt to specific salinity levels, and changes can lead to stress, reduced biodiversity, and habitat shifts. High salinity can hinder the growth of plankton, impacting the entire food chain. Conversely, some species thrive in varying salinities, enhancing ecosystem diversity.
What factors influence seawater salinity levels?
Factors influencing seawater salinity levels include evaporation and precipitation rates, freshwater inflow from rivers, ocean currents, sea ice formation and melting, and regional climate patterns. These factors can vary geographically, leading to differences in salinity across the world's oceans.
How is seawater salinity measured?
Seawater salinity is typically measured using a conductivity meter, which determines the water's ability to conduct electricity and relates it to the concentration of dissolved salts. Additionally, refractometers and CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) sensors are also used to provide precise salinity readings.
How does climate change impact seawater salinity?
Climate change impacts seawater salinity by altering precipitation patterns, increasing surface temperatures, and accelerating ice melt. This leads to regional changes in salinity, with some areas experiencing increased salinity due to higher evaporation and others decreasing due to freshwater influx from melting ice or increased rainfall.
What is the average salinity of seawater?
The average salinity of seawater is about 35 parts per thousand (ppt), which means 35 grams of dissolved salts per kilogram of seawater.