merivedestä

Merivedestä is the Finnish word for seawater. It refers to the saline water that makes up Earth's oceans. The salt content of seawater, known as salinity, varies but is typically around 3.5%, or 35 parts per thousand. This salinity is primarily due to dissolved salts, with sodium chloride being the most abundant.

Seawater is a complex solution containing many dissolved substances, including ions, gases, organic compounds, and suspended particles. Its physical properties, such as density, temperature, and pressure, are crucial for marine life and influence global climate patterns. Ocean currents, driven by wind, temperature differences, and salinity variations, distribute heat and nutrients around the planet.

The vastness of the oceans means seawater covers over 70% of the Earth's surface, playing a vital role in regulating the planet's temperature and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Marine organisms, from microscopic plankton to large whales, are uniquely adapted to life in this saline environment. Human activities, such as pollution and climate change, can significantly impact the composition and health of seawater, affecting marine ecosystems and the services they provide.