Salinity

Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt dissolved in water. It is a fundamental physical oceanographic parameter that plays an essential role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and elements, which in turn controls the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. It is also an important factor for coastal processes such as erosion and sediment transport, as well as for ocean circulation and climate. Salinity is used for assessing water quality, estimating evaporation and precipitation, determining seawater density and its influence on sea level changes, monitoring coastal land-ocean exchanges, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. Furthermore, it is used in many applications related to aquaculture, agriculture and industry.