Which Sea Has No Salt?
There is no sea that has absolutely no salt. While some bodies of water have significantly lower salinity than others, they all contain some level of dissolved salts. The statement "there is no salt in the sea" from one of the provided sources is inaccurate in a practical sense, though it may refer to a philosophical point regarding the definition of "salt" as a distinct chemical compound versus a complex solution.
The Baltic Sea, for example, is known for its relatively low salinity (around 10 ppt) due to the influx of freshwater from numerous rivers. [^1] The Arctic Ocean also has areas of lower salinity because of melting icebergs and river input, but it remains primarily saltwater. [^2, ^3] These examples highlight that while salinity can vary greatly, complete absence of salt is not found in any sea.
[^1]: Reference: The Baltic Sea, almost enclosed by northern Europe and Scandinavia, has a very low salinity of about 10 ppt. This is mainly due to the huge amount of freshwater added from hundreds of rivers. 29-Jun-2020
[^2]: Reference: Google search results about the question: Title: Which ocean is not salt water? - Quora. Snippet: Jun 5, 2020 ... The Arctic Ocean has areas of low salinity due to the melting of icebergs and freshwater input from rivers, but it's still primarily saltwater.
[^3]: Reference: Is there any sea that is not salty? - Quora. Snippet: Jun 29, 2020 ... The Arctic Ocean has areas of low salinity due to the melting of icebergs and freshwater input from rivers, but it's still primarily saltwater.
Understanding Salinity Variations
Salinity differences in various bodies of water are primarily influenced by:
- Freshwater inflow: Rivers, melting glaciers, and rainfall contribute significant amounts of freshwater, diluting the salt concentration.
- Evaporation rates: High evaporation rates increase salinity by concentrating the dissolved salts.
- Ocean currents: Currents can mix waters of different salinity, affecting the overall salt content of a region.
Therefore, while the Baltic Sea and parts of the Arctic Ocean are less salty than other seas, it's crucial to remember that no sea is entirely salt-free.
