Question

Typical seawater has a salinity of 35 psu (practical salinity units). In which month is the difference in salinity of surface and bottom waters the greatest? Why do you think the difference is the greatest at this time of year?

Answer 1

The difference in salinity of surface and bottom waters is typically greatest during the summer months due to evaporation and mixing of water layers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in salinity of surface and bottom waters is typically greatest during the summer months.

This is because during summer, the surface waters heat up and evaporate, causing an increase in salinity.

At the same time, colder, more dense water from deeper layers rises to the surface, resulting in a greater contrast in salinity between the surface and bottom waters.

For example, in areas with high evaporation rates, such as the Red Sea, the difference in salinity between the surface and bottom waters can be as high as 5 psu.