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Difficulty: MediumPhysical Geography of the World

Consider the following statements regarding the factors influencing ocean surface salinity across different global zones:

1. The highest ocean surface salinity is recorded at the equator due to maximum solar insolation and intense evaporation.
2. Enclosed seas in arid subtropical zones, such as the Red Sea, exhibit significantly higher salinity than open ocean waters at identical latitudes.
3. Massive river runoff combined with low atmospheric evaporation results in low surface salinity levels in the Baltic Sea.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 onlyAnswer
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
The combination stating statements 2 and 3 are correct is valid because equatorial surface salinity is diluted by heavy convective precipitation, whereas subtropical enclosed seas record high salinity due to high evaporation, and subpolar seas with abundant river inflow exhibit low salinity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding equatorial salinity
Statement 1 is incorrect.
Although equatorial regions receive high solar insolation, intense cloud cover and heavy daily rainfall (precipitation exceeding evaporation) lower the surface salinity to around 35 ppt, whereas maximum salinity (over 37-38 ppt) occurs in the subtropical belt (20°-30° N/S) where high evaporation coincides with clear skies and sinking dry air.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding enclosed seas in subtropical climates
Statement 2 is correct.
Enclosed or semi-enclosed seas located in hot, arid subtropical zones (such as the Red Sea and Persian Gulf) experience extremely high evaporation and minimal freshwater river influx, resulting in surface salinities reaching 41 ppt or higher.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding high-latitude enclosed seas
Statement 3 is correct.
The Baltic Sea receives massive freshwater input from numerous rivers and experiences low temperatures with minimal evaporation, maintaining exceptionally low salinity levels (often below 10 ppt).

Key Concept

Ocean Surface Salinity Distribution and Influencing Factors
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Topics

Physical Geography of the World

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