Introduction

The seas and lakes on the planet earth have different levels of salinity. Some are with a higher salinity than others. (WEThe most saline is The Dead Lake, with a salinity of more than 200 g/kg. Seawater typically has a salinity of around 35 g/kg. Rivers and lakes can have a wide range of salinities, from less than 0.01 g/kg to a few g/kg.

The most saline sea is The Mediterranean with a salinity of 36-40 g/kg. The sea that is the least saline is The Baltic Sea with a salinity of 2-30 g/kg.

Objective

The purpose of this experiment is to compare the salinity of our seas. And to experience the difference with our senses.

Materials

Some cups, salt, scale, water, spoon

Procedure

Steps to a successful experiment:

1. Calculate the right proportions.

  (The Baltic Sea has a average salinity of 10 g/kg.)

  (The Mediterranean has a average salinity of 40 g/kg.)

2. Measure out the proportions (take to account, that the cup has its own weight)
3. Mix the water and the salt. Stir the water until the salt dissolves.
4. Taste and compare the two mixtures.

    example 1

Results

The taste of the water is different.

Discussion

Why is the salinity different ?

Where does the ``salt`` come from ?

Conclusion

The water in the different cups taste differently. The Baltic Sea isn't as salty as is The Mediterranean Sea.

The reasons behind the difference in salinity are:

1. Ratio between rain and evaporation
2. Incoming rivers
3. The age of the body of water

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salinity

http://www.vkg.werro.ee/materjalid/EGCD/Opik/juhan/meri/lmsools.html

http://www.vkg.werro.ee/materjalid/EGCD/Opik/juhan/meri/mered.html

http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/v3/n1/fig_tab/nclimate1628_F3.html