Question

Which of the following is true about surface salinity?

a. Salinity is higher at the mouths of major rivers where freshwater empties into the sea.
b. Salinity is higher in the subtropics because of the lack of precipitation.
c. Salinity is higher near the equator and at higher latitudes where precipitation exceeds evaporation.
d. Salinity is higher in the tropics because of an increased number of freshwater springs.

Answer 1

Salinity is higher near the equator and at higher latitudes where precipitation exceeds evaporation. So the correct answer is Option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is c. Salinity is higher near the equator and at higher latitudes where precipitation exceeds evaporation.

Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts in water. The pattern of surface salinity distribution is influenced by several factors, including evaporation and precipitation. In areas where precipitation exceeds evaporation, the excess freshwater dilutes the salt content, resulting in lower salinity. This occurs near the equator, where the high rainfall leads to lower salinity. At higher latitudes, where evaporation exceeds precipitation, there is less freshwater input, leading to higher salinity.

For example, the surface salinity of the equatorial Pacific Ocean is around 34-35 parts per thousand (ppt), while the surface salinity of the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean is around 36-37 ppt. Thus, option c is the correct answer.