GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Salinity is the measure of the number of grams of salts per kilogram of seawater, which is expressed in parts per thousand. Parts per thousand can be defined as how many parts, or grams, of salt there are per thousand parts, or kilogram (1, 000 g), of seawater. The symbol for parts per thousand is ‰.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water and soil salinity are measured by passing an electric current between the two electrodes of a salinity meter in a sample of soil or water. The electrical conductivity or EC of a soil or water sample is influenced by the concentration and composition of dissolved salts.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sea water salinity is expressed as a ratio of salt (in grams) to liter of water. In sea water there is typically close to 35 grams of dissolved salts in each liter. It is written as 35 ‰ The normal range of ocean salinity ranges between 33-37 grams per liter (33‰-37‰).

Detailed explanation-4: -The term “salinity” refers to the concentrations of salts in water or soils. Salinity can take three forms, classified by their causes: primary salinity (also called natural salinity); secondary salinity (also called dryland salinity), and tertiary salinity (also called irrigation salinity).

Detailed explanation-5: -Why is important to measure salinity? Salts can be toxic to freshwater plants and animals and can make water unsafe for drinking, irrigation and livestock watering.