The salinity of ocean waters is calculated as the amount of salt (in gm) dissolved in _____ gm of seawater.

The correct answer is 1000.

Key Points

• Salinity is the term used to define the total content of dissolved salts in seawater.
• It is calculated as the amount of salt (in gm) dissolved in 1,000 gm (1 kg) of seawater.
• The average salinity of the oceans is 35 parts per thousand. 
• The salinity of the dead sea is around 340 grams per litre of water.

• The Dead Sea is a sea that is the saltiest of all oceans and seas.

Additional Information

• Factors affecting ocean salinity are mentioned below:
  • The salinity of water in the surface layer of oceans depends mainly on evaporation and precipitation.
  • Surface salinity is greatly influenced in coastal regions by the freshwater flow from rivers, and in polar regions by the processes of freezing and thawing of ice.
  • Wind also influences the salinity of an area by transferring water to other areas. 
  • The ocean currents contribute to the salinity variations.
  • Salinity, temperature, and density of water are interrelated. Hence, any change in the temperature or density influences the salinity of water in an area.