Salinity — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The concentration of dissolved salts in water. (Earth & Space Science)
- The amount of dissolved salt in water, a key factor that determines which organisms can live in freshwater, brackish, or marine systems. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Ocean Circulation & Climate — Oceans, Carbon & Climate, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
- Biomes & Aquatic Systems — Ecology, Populations & Biodiversity, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Seawater density depends on temperature, salinity, and pressure.
Ocean Circulation & Climate
Water covers most of Earth, and aquatic systems split first by salinity.
Biomes & Aquatic Systems
Questions using salinity
Problem 1
At equal temperature and pressure, increasing salinity generally makes water…
- less dense
- more dense
- massless
- always freeze instantly
Answer and explanation
more dense
Dissolved salts generally increase seawater density.