Which condition would lower the salinity of ocean water? a. high rates of evaporation b. freezing of glaciers c. extremely hot weather d. a river flowing into the sea

would lower the salinity of ocean water.

Further Explanation:

Water that comprises oceans and seas covers more than 70 % of the surface of the earth. Ocean water is not just pure water; it also contains a variety of substances in it. It mainly contains sodium chloride in it and also includes some other chemicals like sulfate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. When it rains, minerals present in rocks get dissolved in some portion of water which then flows into rivers or seas. But evaporation of this water takes place and during this process, minerals are left behind, making the ocean water salty. The salinity of water depends on the number of minerals dissolved in it.

When evaporation of ocean water occurs, it removes water from it and salt is left behind so it results in an increase in the salinity of ocean water. The freezing of glaciers does not have any impact on the salinity of ocean water.

When the weather is extremely hot, it results in more evaporation of water, leaving large amounts of salt behind so it increases the salinity of ocean water.

The river consists of fresh water that has no salt in it. So when a river flows into the sea the amount of salt in it decreases due to the addition of fresh water to it. Therefore a river flowing into the sea would decrease or lower the salinity of ocean water.

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Answer details:

Grade: Senior School

Chapter: Phase transition

Subject: Chemistry

Keywords: ocean water, evaporation, fresh water, ocean water, salinity, glaciers,