ldquo The salinity of oceans varies from one latitude to another and is determined by multiple fact...........

Geography (CDS) World - Water Bodies

“The salinity of oceans varies from one latitude to another and is determined by multiple factors.” Consider the following statements in this regard:

1. The ocean currents play an important role in determining the salinity of oceans.

2. Influx of fresh water when rivers meet the oceans decreases the salinity of oceans.

3. The oceans of tropical regions have highest salinity due to intense heat and evaporation of water.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Explanation:

Correct Option: (a) Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect: Although there is high evaporation in tropical regions due to intense heat on these latitudes but at the same time due to heavy precipitation there is in fl ux of fresh water which decreases the salinity of oceans of tropical regions. The oceans of sub-tropical regions have higher salinity than oceans of tropical regions. Supplementary notes: The highest salinity is recorded between 15° and 20° latitudes. Maximum salinity (37 o/oo) is observed between 20° N and 30° N and 20° W - 60° W.

It gradually decreases towards the north. The North Sea, in spite of its location in higher latitudes, records higher salinity due to more saline water brought by the North Atlantic Drift. Baltic Sea records low salinity due to in fl ux of river waters in large quantity. The Mediterranean Sea records higher salinity due to high evaporation. Salinity is, however, very low in Black Sea due to enormous fresh water in fl ux by rivers. See the atlas to fi nd out the rivers joining Black Sea. Although there is high evaporation in tropical regions due to intense heat on these latitudes but at the same time due to heavy precipitation there is in fl ux of fresh water which decreases the salinity of oceans of tropical regions.