While it is not news that sea water is distinguished from river and stream water by being salty, while the latter is fresh, what many still do not know is why sea water is salty. According to experts, 97% of the water covering the planet is salty due to two of its components: chlorine and sodium, both ingredients that form common salt.
Both lakes and rivers have a very low amount of salt thanks to various natural processes, such as rain. Yes, this simple climatic phenomenon is the reason why sea water is salty. This is because rain wears down rocks, which in turn release salts and minerals that end up in the oceans, increasing the water’s salinity.
Despite rain being one of the main factors, it is not the only one. Submarine volcanic eruptions and large salt deposits beneath the Earth contribute to making the oceans so salty. In relation to salt deposits, these huge accumulations, over time, dissolve in the water.
But in addition to these factors, the ions carried by rivers also end up in seas and oceans, increasing their own salinity.
Chlorine and sodium form the salt that makes sea water salty.
Which is the saltiest sea water on the planet?
According to various studies, the saltiest sea water on the planet is the Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, as its salinity is the highest compared to other seas. These waters contain 30% salt, which is almost ten times more than in other oceans.
Characteristics of the Dead Sea
- Size: its surface is about 70 km long and 18 km wide over the Jordan Valley.
- Natural sanatorium: the unique properties of its waters, such as minerals, air with few allergens, and low UV radiation, make this sea one of the most visited places for medical treatments.
- Extreme salinity: the Dead Sea is almost 9 times saltier than other seas on the planet.
- Floatability: thanks to the high salinity of the water, people can easily float.
- Historical ruins: there is a belief that the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah are located under its waters.
- Constant evaporation: on hot days, about 7 million tons of water evaporate, preventing the sea level from rising.
- Different names: this sea is known as the “Dead Sea,” but also as the “Devil’s Sea,” “pestilent sea,” “Sea of Sodom,” and “Lake Asphalt,” among others.
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