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Which best describes the relationship between salinity levels and the amount of dissolved gases in ocean water?

1. As salinity increases, the amount of dissolved gases decreases
2. As salinity increases, the amount of dissolved gases increases.
3. There is no significant relationship between salinity levels and the amount of dissolved gases.
4. The relationship between salinity and dissolved gases in ocean water varies depending on other environmental factors.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

As salinity in the ocean increases, the amount of dissolved gases tends to decrease due to the lesser solubility of gases in saltier water, influenced by changes in pressure and temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between salinity levels and the amount of dissolved gases in ocean water can be complex. Higher salinity typically leads to a reduction in the amount of dissolved gases. This is because gases tend to dissolve less readily in saltier water. The key factors affecting this relationship are pressure and temperature. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of gases increases with the pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, at higher pressures, more gas will dissolve in the water. However, temperature also plays a significant role; as the temperature increases, the solubility of gases in the water generally decreases, since the thermal energy allows gas molecules to escape from the water more readily.

The correct answer to the relationship between salinity levels and dissolved gases would most closely align with the statement: As salinity increases, the amount of dissolved gases decreases. This reflects the observed phenomenon in marine environments where more saline waters contain lower concentrations of dissolved gases.

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