Why Is The Ocean Salty?
7. Rain
Rain is very slightly acidic. It becomes acidic as it falls to Earth, accumulating carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on its way. We don’t notice it because the level of acidity is so low, but it is enough to have an effect on the land over a long period of time. Over the years, this acidity helps the rain to gradually erode rocks and pick up minerals, including salt.
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The amount of salt in water at this point is negligible and the water is still considered to be fresh, as opposed to saline. This water will eventually make its way to the oceans where the salt will remain, causing salt levels to build up over millions of years.
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