Anyone who has ever played to the beach and plunged into the water, surely knows that sea water is salty. Everyone also knows that water in rain, rivers and even ice is not salty. But do you know the reason? Reporting from Utdallas. Edu, this is the reason why saltwater and river water are fresh!
Rain water though tastes fresh but still contains salt even though the amount is very small.
It's so little that we can't feel it. It is this rainwater processing that eventually becomes the water we drink. Rainwater that passes through the land and rocks will include minerals and bring them to the sea. The salt content in river water that flows into the sea is only a very small portion compared to salt in the sea. To make the annual salt content of river water flowing into the sea with the same salt content in sea water, it takes around 200-300 million years.
Another clue about how sea water becomes salty is in the phenomenon of the Great Salt Lake and the Dead Sea.
Both are saltwater lakes that are 10 times saltier than sea water. Why are these two lakes saltier than most other lakes in the world? The lake is generally a temporary water stop before being taken out by another river. In the case of these two salted lakes, there are so many rivers that enter them that make them saltier. Remember, that the salt content in river water is very small, but it will still be felt when all the rivers gather at a point.
The cause of salt water is not only due to mineral congestion from the river water, but there are several other factors.
One other factor that causes saltwater is hydrothermal ventilation, a place on the hot ocean floor and causes water to dissolve more minerals and then return to the sea. Another factor is underwater volcanism, the same system, where the heat causes water to dissolve more minerals.
The salt content in seawater is always stable from time to time due to the cycle it is running.
In conclusion, whenever water intersects with rocks both on land and sea, some minerals in the rock dissolve and carry water into the sea. The salt content in water in seawater will not change because new minerals form on the seabed equal to the amount of salt that increases. So that the salt content in the sea always remains stable from time to time.
Well, you already know the scientific reasons behind why saltwater and river water are fresh? Even though some of you feel that seawater is good because it is unique, do not drink it intentionally, because the excess content in it can be dangerous for your body. Regardless, don't forget to drink enough water every day!
Source: Idm times