Oceans & salinity: What is the average salinity of sea water? Express the typical open-ocean salinity value used in oceanography. Choose the correct value.
General Knowledge
General Science
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: 35‰ (about 3.5%)
Explanation
What is being asked?The typical mean salinity value for ocean water.
Given data
- Standard oceanographic average
Concept/ApproachOpen-ocean salinity averages around 35 parts per thousand (‰), equivalent to approximately 35 grams of salts per kilogram of seawater (~3.5%).
Verification35‰ = 35/1000 = 0.035 = 3.5%
Final Answer35‰ (about 3.5%)