Explanation:

• All seawater contains large amounts of dissolved mineral matter of which sodium chloride or common salt alone constitutes more than 77 percent. Due to the free movement of ocean water, the proportions of different salts, remain remarkably constant in all oceans and even to great depths. However, the degree of concentration of the salt solution in oceans does vary appreciably in different areas. • The average salinity of the oceans is 35.2 ppt, about 35 parts of salt in 1,000 parts of water. In the Baltic Sea, where there is much dilution by fresh water and melting ice, the salinity is much lower, only about 7 ppt, In the Red Sea where there is much surface evaporation and fewer rivers to bring in fresh water, the average salinity increases to 39 ppt. • In enclosed seas, which are areas of inland drainages, such as the Caspian Sea, the salinity is very high, 180 ppt, and in the Dead Sea of Palestine a salinity of 250 ppt. has been recorded. • The highest salinity is perhaps, that of Lake Van, in Turkey, with 330 ppt. It is a salt lake, and salts are collected from its shores. Hence, statement 2 is correct. • The density of the water is so high that in Lake Van or the Dead Sea, it is almost impossible to sink. Beginner swimmers will find it much easier to float here than anywhere else. • Salinity is lower than the average 35% in equatorial waters because of the heavy rainfall and high relative humidity. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. • The average salinity of the Indian Ocean is 35 ppt. The low salinity trend is observed in the Bay of Bengal due to the influx of river water. On the contrary, the Arabian Sea shows higher salinity due to high evaporation and low influx of fresh water.