It's hard to beat a summertime dip in the ocean. If the weather turns warm, you will find that salt water, sunshine, and sand are almost all you need.
Intentionally swallowing salt water underwater, or from a rogue wave, is the worst thing about the ocean. Many animals love the sea water as their home. Sharks, penguins, turtles, and fish have developed the ability to extract salt from ocean water. This helps them drink it.
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Why is the ocean salty
The ocean's salt is derived from two sources: runoff on the land and openings at the seafloor.
The ocean water is the main source of rocks. Rainwater is slightly acidic and erodes rocks over time. According to NOAA, the ions released by the eroding rock eventually reach the ocean through streams and river.
NOAA states that there are hydrothermal oils, which come out of openings in the ocean floor. Ocean water heats when it seeps under the seafloor from magma at Earth's core. The heat triggers chemical reactions that include underwater volcanic eruptions. These chemical reactions release minerals into the sea. This also causes water loss of oxygen, magnesium and sulfurates. However, it also picks up iron and zinc.
NOAA believes that another explanation for the oceans saltiness is salt domes. These large salt deposits have formed over time.
Why aren’t other bodies salty enough?
Many bodies of water do not have the same salt content as the ocean. It is possible to notice a slight lack of salt in water from rivers or ponds if you happen to swallow it. This is because rain replenishes water in rivers and streams. The ocean on the other side collects salt and minerals every time a river flows into it. NOAA states that each year, four billion tons worth of dissolved sodium are carried by rivers to the ocean.
Which ocean has the highest salt content?
The National Weather Service says that the Atlantic Ocean, out of five ocean basins around the globe -- Pacific, Atlantic Indian, Southern, Arctic and Southern Oceans -- has the highest salinity. This is because the salinity of water decreases close to the equator and both poles. Because of the high rainfall at the tropics, salinity drops as fresh water falls to the sea.
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According to the National Weather Service the Red Sea has the highest salt content of ocean water with a level of approximately 40%. This is because the region's high evaporation rates.
Is salt water from ocean a bad thing?
In large quantities, yes. It is possible to accidentally swallow small amounts of seawater while swimming. NOAA warns us that we are not meant to consume salt water. The salt content of the ocean is higher than our bodies can process. Overconsumption can cause severe health consequences.