Monday July 25, 2022
USA Today —
There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the ocean in the summertime. Sand, sunshine and the smell of salt water are practically staples when the weather gets warm.
The only thing that’s not so pleasant about the ocean is accidentally swallowing a mouthful of salt water during an underwater dip or a rogue wave. Many animals thrive in the sea water that is their home. Certain fish, sharks, turtles and even penguins have evolved to secrete the salt from the ocean water, which helps them use it for drinking water.
The ocean’s salt comes from two sources — runoff from the land and openings in the seafloor.
Rocks that end up in the ocean water are the primary source. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, erodes rocks over time. The eroding rocks release ions that eventually end up in the ocean after they pass through streams and rivers, according to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).