Final answer:
The specific property of water that is crucial in allowing it to dissolve and carry salts, nutrients, and minerals in ocean waters is solubility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific property of water that is crucial in allowing it to dissolve and carry salts, nutrients, and minerals in ocean waters is Solubility.
Water is considered the "universal solvent" because of its ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances. Due to its polar nature, water molecules form attractions with ions and other polar molecules, allowing them to disperse and remain in solution. This property is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it enables the transfer and distribution of essential nutrients and minerals.