Tag: Ocean chemistry

Approximately 1,300 parts per million (ppm) of magnesium is found in average saltwater, making it the third most abundant ion in the ocean behind sodium and chloride. This essential mineral is a critical component of marine ecosystems and water chemistry.

The ocean is a vast, complex mixture, with an average salinity of about 3.5% composed primarily of salts. Far from being just salt and water, this marine mixture contains a cocktail of essential minerals, dissolved gases, and organic materials that form the foundation for all life in the sea. This dynamic chemical composition is what drives the marine ecosystem, influencing everything from microscopic phytoplankton blooms to global climate regulation.

According to atmospheric science research, the ocean is the largest natural reservoir of iodine on Earth, and a significant amount is emitted into the atmosphere. Yes, sea breeze does contain iodine, which is carried in tiny salt particles and gaseous forms originating from the ocean's surface. While the amount is relatively small, this airborne iodine is a vital component of the global biogeochemical cycle and can have implications for both human health and atmospheric chemistry.