The density of salt in the ocean depends on the concentration of dissolved solids in the water, according to Herbert Swenson of U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists measure salt density in the ocean in parts per thousand, expressed as 0/00. For example, 25 0/00 means 25 pounds of salt in 1,000 pounds of water.
What Affects Salt Density?
Sea water has about 220 times more salt than fresh water from a lake, according to Herbert Swenson. Factors that determine salt density include rate of water evaporation, precipitation, ice melt and deposits from rivers, according to Robert Stewart at the Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University.
Saltiest Areas
According to Robert Stewart, mean ocean salinity is 34 0/00. The seas in the polar and equatorial zones represent areas of lowest salt densities, due to ice melt and greatest rainfall, respectively.
Measuring Constituents
The difficulty in measuring sea water composition has to do with problems including the lack of precise procedures and methods, the size of the ocean and its complexity. Ocean currents, waves and mixing of the water horizontally and vertically add to the difficulties, according to Swenson.
Tags: according Herbert, according Herbert Swenson, Herbert Swenson, Robert Stewart, Salt Density
