Yes, the Great Salt Lake is significantly saltier than the ocean.
Salinity Levels Compared
Based on recent data, the Great Salt Lake exhibits a much higher concentration of salt compared to the world's oceans. The average salinity of the ocean is approximately 3 percent.
In contrast, the Great Salt Lake's salinity has historically shown considerable variation, ranging from about 5 percent to as high as 27 percent over the past two decades. This means the Great Salt Lake can be two to nine times saltier than the ocean.
Here's a simple comparison:
| Body of Water | Approximate Salinity Range (Past 22 Years) | Comparison to Ocean Salinity (3%) |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean | 3 percent | 1x |
| Great Salt Lake | 5 percent to 27 percent | 2x to 9x |
Internal Variations within the Lake
It's also important to note that salinity varies significantly within the Great Salt Lake itself due to causeways and different evaporation rates in various sections. As of current information:
- Farmington Bay: Approximately 5 percent salt (similar to the lower end of the lake's historical range and the higher end of ocean salinity).
- South Arm: Around 14 percent salt.
- North Arm: Reaching up to 26 percent salt (representing the extremely high end of the lake's salinity).
These internal differences mean that while parts of the lake are only moderately saltier than the ocean, other parts are drastically more saline.
