SEAWATER Meaning and
Definition
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Seawater is the term used to describe the saline water found in the world's oceans and seas. It is a complex, natural mixture that contains various dissolved solids, gases, and microscopic life forms. Seawater has a distinct composition and properties that differ from freshwater, primarily due to its high concentration of dissolved salts.
The average salinity of seawater is around 3.5%, meaning that for every 1,000 grams of seawater, approximately 35 grams are dissolved salts. This salinity is mainly attributed to the presence of sodium chloride (common salt), but other minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium are also present. These dissolved salts give seawater its characteristic taste and are responsible for its higher density compared to freshwater.
Besides salts, seawater contains significant amounts of dissolved gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These gases support marine life and play a crucial role in the Earth's climate regulation through the process of carbon sequestration.
Seawater also harbors a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and phytoplankton, which form the base of the marine food chain. These microscopic organisms contribute to the overall ecosystem health and help maintain the balance of marine environments.
Due to its unique composition, seawater also exhibits properties like buoyancy, conductivity, and freezing point depression that are utilized in various applications such as desalination, marine transportation, and scientific research.
Common Misspellings for SEAWATER
Etymology of SEAWATER
The word "seawater" is a compound word composed of two parts: "sea" and "water".
The term "sea" has an Old English origin, derived from the Proto-Germanic word *saiwaz, which ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *séh₂i, meaning "lake" or "sea". The word has ancient roots and is found in various Germanic and Scandinavian languages.
The word "water", on the other hand, comes from Old English wæter, which is related to the Old Frisian word wetra, Middle Dutch word water, and Old High German word wazzar. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *watōr and the Proto-Indo-European root *wódr̥, meaning "water".
Similar spelling words for SEAWATER
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