Understanding Ocean Salinity

What is the primary source of the ocean's salt?

• Volcanic eruptions

• The atmosphere

• Marine organisms

• The land

How does rain contribute to the ocean's salinity?

• By evaporating ocean water

• By increasing the ocean's temperature

• By dissolving atmospheric gases

• By breaking down rocks and carrying ions to the ocean

What is a common characteristic of acids?

• They donate protons

• They are always solid

• They are non-reactive

• They donate electrons

Which of the following is the most abundant salt in the ocean?

• Magnesium chloride

• Potassium iodide

• Sodium chloride

• Calcium sulfate

What role do hydrothermal vents play in ocean salinity?

• They have no effect on salinity

• They remove salt from the ocean

• They add mineral-rich water to the ocean

• They decrease salinity by cooling the water

Which process involves the removal of salt through the formation of deposits?

• Precipitation

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Sublimation

What happens at subduction zones that affects ocean salinity?

• Water temperature increases

• Salt is removed from the ocean

• Water pressure decreases

• Salt is added to the ocean

How do marine organisms contribute to the removal of salt from the ocean?

• By forming shells and skeletons

• By filtering water

• By consuming salt

• By increasing water temperature

Why might salty oceans have been crucial for the origin of life?

• They were isolated from other water bodies

• They were less stable than freshwater environments

• They provided a stable environment for chemical reactions

• They had a lower ion concentration

What is the average salinity of the world's oceans?

• 35%

• 10%

• 3.5%

• 0.9%