Answer from Natalya[guru]
According to personal feelings - Mediterranean, more salty Aegean, the saltiest - Red. Then - Dead. And % - you need to look...
Salinity is the amount of solids in grams dissolved in 1 kg of sea water, provided that all halogens are replaced by an equivalent amount of chlorine, all carbonates are converted to oxides, and organic matter is burned.
It is measured in “‰” (“ppm”).
The average salinity of the world's oceans is 35 ‰. To calibrate instruments, so-called normal water with a salinity close to 35 ‰ is extracted from the Bay of Biscay.
Baltic - 7-8
Azovskoe - 12
Black - 16
Mramornoe 26
Adriatic - 35-38
Aegei 37
Ligurian -38
Mediterranean (overall) about 38 - 39.5
Red - 39-40
Dead 260-270
Source Wikipedia and:

Answer from Marina F[guru]
Aegean Sea
Salinity 37.0-39.00/00.
Mediterranean Sea
Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values ​​increase from 3. to V. from 36 to - 39.5. The density of water on the surface varies from 1.023-1.027 g/cm³ in summer to 1.027-1.029 g/cm³ in winter.
Red sea
Strong fumes warm water turned the Red Sea into one of the saltiest on the globe: 38-42 grams of salts per liter. Salinity - 40-60 g/l. Salt content reaches up to 40‰
Dead Sea
The content of minerals in water reaches 33%, an average of 28% (for comparison in the Mediterranean Sea - 4%).
Barencevo sea
The salinity of the surface layer of water in the open sea throughout the year is 34.7-35.0‰ in the southwest, 33.0-34.0‰ in the east, and 32.0-33.0‰ in the north. In the coastal strip of the sea in spring and summer, salinity drops to 30-32 ‰, and by the end of winter it increases to 34.0-34.5 ‰.
Sea of ​​Azov
The salinity of the sea before the regulation of the Don was three times less than the average salinity of the ocean. Its value on the surface varied from 1 ppm at the mouth of the Don to 10.5 ppm in the central part of the sea and 11.5 ppm near Kerch Strait. After the creation of the Tsimlyansky hydroelectric complex, the salinity of the sea began to increase (up to 13 ppm in the central part). Average seasonal fluctuations in salinity rarely reach 1-2 percent.
Davis Sea
Salinity 33.0-33.5‰.
Baltic Sea
The salinity of sea water decreases from the Danish Straits, connecting the Baltic Sea with the salty North Sea, to the east. In the Denmark Straits, salinity is 20 ppm at the surface of the sea and 30 ppm at the bottom. Towards the center of the sea, salinity decreases to 6-8 ppm at the sea surface, in the north of the Gulf of Bothnia it drops to 2-3 ppm, in the Gulf of Finland to 2 ppm. Salinity increases with depth, reaching 13 ppm in the center of the sea near the bottom.
White Sea
The large influx of river water and insignificant exchange with the Barents Sea led to a relatively low salinity of the surface waters of the sea (26 ppm and below). The salinity of deep waters is much higher - up to 31 ppm.
Conducted site monitoring! Phew! Chocolate for you! !

There are more than 70 seas on our planet. And all of them are an insignificant but integral part of the World Ocean. Researchers classify them into a variety of categories: size, location, depth, etc. One of these categories is the level of salt content in the water. We have compiled the top 10 saltiest seas in the world, and we will also tell you how exactly the salinity of the water in them is measured and who can live in the waters of such objects.

Determination method

The unit of measurement for water salinity, as well as the level of alcohol in the blood, was called ppm by scientists. 1 ppm refers to the volume of solids that are dissolved in 1 kg of seawater. The problem is that the composition of water in the seas is quite complex for direct chemical analysis. To determine the level of salinity, the concentration of an element and electrical conductivity are taken as a basis. Or they start from the magnitude of refraction. Using this method, biologists were able to determine which seas are the saltiest in the world.

At the very end of our list is the White Sea. Its waters wash the north of the European part of our country. The salt level here remains at 26-28%. This low level is due to the fact that a huge number of rivers flow into the White Sea. At depth, mineralization can reach 31 ppm.

It is worth saying that the White Sea is one of the smallest that washes the shores of Russia. Its area barely exceeds 90,000 km 2.

Fishing here is very developed: the average catch is around 2000 tons.

9. Chukchi Sea

In the waters of the Arctic Ocean, between Alaska and Chukotka, lies the Chukotka Sea, which occupies the 9th position in our ranking of the saltiest seas in the world, with an area of ​​590 km 2. Considering the geographical features, even in summer time The water temperature rarely rises above 12 °C. In winter, it even drops to 0 °C. But, despite this, the salinity level here is slightly higher than that of the White Sea - 32-33 ppm.

The harsh climate that reigns in these latitudes also affects the inhabitants of the sea. Only the most resilient representatives of the fauna are able to survive in such conditions. Nevertheless, cod is the main object of fishing here.

The huge sea (more than 670 square kilometers) washing the north of Siberia is called the Laptev Sea and ranks 8th in our ranking of the saltiest seas. In winter, the salinity of its waters fluctuates at 34%. But in the southern part it drops sharply to 25%, and with the arrival of summer it can even drop to 5 ppm. As in all other seas, the maximum level (35%) is observed in the depths.

An interesting fact: despite the fact that the water temperature rarely rises above 0 °C, the Laptev Sea is especially loved by surfers from all over the world due to the high level of coastal waves.

If you want to organize fishing in the Laptev Sea, then you will face complete failure. Only 40 species of fish live here. True, giant flounder and sardines of gigantic size are often found.

Another body of water that is part of the Arctic Ocean. The Barents Sea washes the shores of Norway and Russian Federation. It is considered the most dangerous in our country.

Due to the influence of the warm current from the North Atlantic, the salinity of the water here is constantly changing. True, it fluctuates in a small range: from 33 to 35 ppm. The level also depends on seasonality: in summer it is slightly lower.

The flora of the Barents Sea is rich in plankton. It is also from this reservoir that Kamchatka crab is transported throughout the country. But be careful: you can find aggressive polar bears and seals on the coast.

Occupying a middle position on our list, the Sea of ​​Japan confidently tops the list of the saltiest seas in Russia. Despite the gigantic area of ​​1000 km 2, the level of NaCl (sodium chloride) in almost all its zones confidently remains at around 34%.

It is worth noting that the Sea of ​​Japan is extremely cold. In the south, temperatures may drop below -27 °C. The average annual temperature ranges from -1...+13 °C.

The underwater world of the Sea of ​​Japan is not stable. The northern part has much fewer inhabitants than the southern part. However, if you decide to enjoy large shrimp or scallops, the Sea of ​​Japan will give you the opportunity. You can also find crabs on the coast at the end of spring.

Finally we are transported to where it is warm. Let's start on the shores of Greece. The Ionian Sea is considered to be both the saltiest sea in this country (38 ppm) and the densest in the world. If you are just learning to swim, then this pond will be a real gift for you. The waters of the Ionian Sea literally push you to the surface. It is precisely because of the high level of density that you are unlikely to be able to reach the bottom on your own. In summer, the water is warm, about +27 °C. Winter and the end of the swimming season are marked by a drop in temperature to +15 °C.

The shores of Greece are washed by another sea - the Aegean. Researchers found a concentrated alkali level of 39.5% here. If you plan to swim in its waters, you should listen to the advice of dermatologists and use a special cream after completing the procedures. It would also be a good idea to douse yourself with fresh water to wash away the sodium that settles on the skin.

The sea is believed to have formed more than 20,000 years ago. True, what size the reservoir was at that time is unknown. Today, the Aegean Sea stretches over an area of ​​180,000 km 2.

The underwater flora of the Aegean and Ionian seas is similar in many ways. Animals are different. If the Aegean abounds in octopus, then the Ionian is rich in flounder and tuna.

The top three winners on our list are the Mediterranean Sea. We all know it, many regularly visit its beaches, not even suspecting that the salinity level of its waters reaches 41 ppm.

The Mediterranean Sea stands out among others in several ways. Firstly, this is the warmest sea. Secondly, it is truly gigantic - its area is just over 2,500,000 km 2. And the greatest depth recorded by scientists exceeds 5 km.

Due to its enormous size, the Mediterranean Sea also boasts a variety of inhabitants. Its waters are home to just over 500 species of fish. It is not worth reminding that Mediterranean cuisine is based precisely on sea ​​inhabitants.

Between Middle East Asia and the African continent lies the picturesque Red Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. The reservoir is relatively small - only 438,000 km 2. And this is a unique sea, into whose waters not a single river flows.

Despite the fact that the reservoir ranks second in the ranking of the saltiest seas, the world of its flora and fauna is very diverse. Here you can find sharks and killer whales, as well as mature turtles and dolphins. In addition, the diversity and beauty of coral reefs attracts many divers from all over the world.

It is immediately worth noting that many scientists still consider the reservoir to be a lake. But if we ignore all the legal nuances... the salinity of the Dead Sea is 270%! This is both a unique and amazing figure, which means that in 1 liter of water, chemical analysis showed 270 grams of alkalis. This is almost 10 times more than in the Red Sea. Naturally, nothing like this can be found on our plane anymore, so this is the saltiest sea on earth. Its mineral composition contains an impressive portion of the periodic table, including bromine and potassium. Is it necessary to warn that swimming in its waters is not worth it?

It's not called the Dead Sea for nothing. Only a few species of mushrooms can survive here. It’s definitely not possible to find random residents: the maximum depth of the sea-lake reaches only 300 meters, so 99.9% of the waters have already been studied and surveyed.

Summarizing the facts

As you can see, scientists are divided on which sea is the saltiest. Many geographers are firmly convinced that the Dead is a lake, not a sea, which is why they give the palm to the vice-winner of our rating - the Red Sea. Those researchers who do not care about such trifles argue in favor of the Dead.

Five objects from our list border on the territory of the Russian Federation, which cannot be ignored. The saltiest sea washing the shores of our country is the Sea of ​​Japan. And from the lakes - Bear.

Now you know about the 10 saltiest seas. And which one is best suited for a resort holiday is up to you to decide.

The seas are part of the water surface of the Earth - the World Ocean, being its main part. The salt content for each of them is individual, some exceed the salinity of the oceans. The ranking of the saltiest seas also includes water areas washing the Russian shores.

Interest in the nature of sea water arose among geographers of the 17th century. The hypotheses expressed at that time converged on a general statement about the primordial salinity of the ocean from the time of origin, which was caused by the dissolution of deposits of crystalline salts at the bottom. The theory was also considered that sea water is constantly replenished with salts through fresh water bodies.

Flowing from mountains and hills, rivers wash salts out of rocks and carry them into the seas and oceans. This theory is usually called traditional.

Over the following centuries, geographers have repeatedly returned to research on this issue. As a result, today there is a modern theory of why sea water is salty. It is assumed that its primary form is gas condensate, a consequence of the eruptions of numerous volcanoes.

Acid rain belching out onto earth's surface, caused a chemical reaction with mineral formations, which resulted in salt solutions. In modern oceanography, both postulates are considered correct.

How is sea salinity measured?

Salinity, denoted by the symbol S, is measured in ppm "‰" and in the practical unit of salinity (PSU). The composition of sea water is very complex; in addition to the predominant degree of chlorine and sodium, it contains more than a dozen chemical elements.

In modern oceanography, salinity is calculated from the composition of one component taken or from the electrical conductivity of a salt solution, in this case seawater.

For one component, salinity is established through the reaction of the interaction of silver and chlorine ions by repeated comparison. Having measured chlorine, calculations are made using the empirical formula (determined from experimental data): S “‰” = 1.8065 * chlorine content “‰”.

In 1978, the International Union of Oceanographic Experts approved the Practical Salinity Scale - ShPS-78 (PSS-78). For its development, the established standard of sea water was used - a solution of potassium chloride at a certain temperature (15°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.

The studied samples of natural sea water are compared in terms of electrical conductivity with the standard, and from the resulting ratio the salinity is calculated using the developed empirical formula. The average salt level in the oceans and seas is from 3.47% (from 3.4 to 3.6), which is approximately 34-36 g/l of sea water.

Top 10 saltiest seas in the world

All seas, as separate parts, differ from the World Ocean and from each other in climate regime, flora, fauna and composition of sea water. Based on the degree of salt content, a certain rating of the saltiest seas on Earth has been built.

The saltiest sea (Russia has its own top sea salinity) in the world is the Red Sea, which is the inland part of the Indian Ocean. And the Baltic Sea ranks first in terms of low salinity. The ten saltiest seas are presented below.

White Sea

The cold northern sea, called the White Sea for its coverage with ice and snow most of the year, is one of the lightly salted seas; it completes the top ten saltiest seas in the world. Located in the western part of Russia, on its northern outskirts. Its salinity in the upper waters (up to 100 m depth) is lower than the oceanic one - only 26 ‰, in depth it reaches 31 ‰.

The White Sea is part of the seas of the Arctic Ocean; the coastline has a winding outline. It has a small size with an area of ​​90.1 thousand km², the depth ranges from 67 m (average) to 343 m.

The White Sea cuts into the continent, continuing the Barents Sea. The reduced salinity of the upper layer of the White Sea basin is explained by the large supply of fresh water from the inflowing large rivers, shallower tributaries and very small rivers.

The fauna of the White Sea corresponds to a subpolar climate (boreal), but due to low salinity it is not so numerous. Northern animals live in surface water layers commercial species fish In the lower layer of the sea, where the water is saltier and stably colder, arctic life forms predominate.

Underwater vegetation - more than 190 species of different algae. Among them are the popular brown and red species. Get to White Sea You can travel by rail from Moscow to Arkhangelsk. Travel time is approximately 20 hours, departure from Yaroslavsky railway station. A flight along this route by air will take about 1.5 hours.

Chukchi Sea

The marginal sea of ​​the Arctic Ocean, the easternmost in Russia, whose maximum salinity is close to the average ocean level. Salinity fluctuations from 24 to 33 ‰ are due to seasonal changes and depth - in winter and in the bottom layer, mineralization increases.

Melting ice in spring and summer and the influx of fresh water reduce the salt content in the upper water column.

The water area of ​​the Chukchi Sea washes the shores of Chukotka and borders the East Siberian Sea on the western side. From the east it extends onto the shelves of Alaska and adjoins the Beaufort Sea. In the southern part it is separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Bering Strait. The north side faces the ocean. The sea is shallow, depth parameters: average – 45 m, maximum – 1256 m.

The coastline is slightly tortuous, along the coast there are mountain ranges. The total area of ​​the Chukchi Sea is about 590 km². The cold climate, lack of sunlight and low water temperatures affect the nature of the Chukotka Basin, therefore the flora and fauna are predominantly Arctic species and individuals.

The upper layers of the sea are inhabited by plant plankton, in the lower water column there are algae, common to northern waters. The depths abound with fish - navaga, polar cod, char. A variety of North Sea mollusks and echinoderms, jellyfish, and in the Bering Strait area, Pacific species of underwater inhabitants.

Among the mammals on the protected islands there are many polar bears, walrus rookeries, and seals. A lot of waterfowl nest along the banks in summer. A population of whales lives in Chukotka waters.

You can only get to the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug by plane; there are flights to Anadyr and Pevek. From Moscow to the “capital” of Chukotka - Anadyr, the flight will last approximately 8 hours, to the northernmost city of Russia - Pevek, the flight will take a little longer.

Laptev sea

Another marginal sea of ​​the Arctic Ocean, the water area of ​​which is covered with ice most of the year. The area of ​​this harsh sea is 672,000 km², the maximum depth on the northern side, which turns into the ocean, reaches 3385 m. The Laptev Sea is located on Russian territory.

It is bounded on the south by the northern Siberian coast, on the west by the Taimyr Peninsula and the Severnaya Zemlya islands, and on the east by the New Siberian Islands. The salinity of the Laptev Sea ranges from 15 to 28 ‰, it belongs to the low-salinity seas.

The lowest salt content is in the surface layers and in river mouths; the deeper, the higher the salinity of sea water. On the 1,300 km long coastline, most of the sea is a shelf with an average depth of 50 meters. The coastline is replete with bays and bays. Large rivers flowing into the sea: Lena, Khatanga. The largest port is Tiksi, located east of the mouth of the Lena.

Due to the harsh climate, vegetation and animal world the edges are not too rich. Underwater inhabitants are dominated by diatoms, some species of shelf algae and planktonic organisms, a small number of invertebrates, mollusks and starfish. Among the fish there are also small sea creatures (capelin, smelt, navaga) and freshwater ones entering from the rivers.

Beluga whales and whales live offshore. The islands are inhabited by polar bears, walruses and seals. The only way to travel to the Laptev Sea, as well as to other seas of the Arctic Ocean, is by plane. From Moscow to Tiksi Airport, the flight time depends on the number of transfers along the route: minimum – 13 hours, maximum – 31 hours.

Barencevo sea

The Barents Sea, which washes the Russian and Norwegian shores, is considered one of the saltiest seas. Its salinity ranges from 30 to 35 ‰. The Indiga and Pechora rivers bring large amounts of fresh water.

The sea has an average depth of more than 200 m, and a maximum depth of 600 m. It is located on a huge continental shelf with an area of ​​​​about 1,500 thousand km², the dividing line runs along the northern European coast, the polar archipelagos of Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land, and along the western coast of Novaya Zemlya.

The flora and fauna of the Barents Sea are similar to other marginal seas of the Arctic Ocean, but are more diverse and numerous. In addition to arctic algae and bottom inhabitants, boreal species are common. In the second half of the 20th century, the Kamchatka crab was artificially introduced into the habitat of the Barents Sea.

One of the largest ports in Russia, Murmansk, is located in the Barents Sea. Other ports are no less strategically important - Naryan-Mar and polar Varandey. By air, a direct flight to Murmansk from Moscow will take approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, with a transfer in St. Petersburg - 4-5 hours longer.

Unlike other northern seas, the Barents Sea can be reached by rail: from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities to Murmansk. Naryan-Mar can only be reached by plane.

Japanese Sea

The saltiest sea in Russia is the Sea of ​​Japan. It is among the first in the world in terms of salt content. Its maximum content in water is about 35 ‰. The marginal sea of ​​the Pacific Ocean occupies an area of ​​1062 thousand km² between Asia, the Korean Peninsula, Sakhalin and the Japanese Islands. The greatest measured depth is 3742 m, the average depth is about 1600 m.


The saltiest sea in Russia, its indicators are about 35 ‰.

The Eastern Sea of ​​Russia is a collection of sea basins and straits between numerous islands. The underwater world of the Sea of ​​Japan is represented by a rich mixture of southern and northern species of vegetation and animal organisms.

Prominent representatives depths that amaze the imagination:

  • various ascidians;
  • sea ​​anemones similar to exotic flowers;
  • sea ​​cucumbers and shrimps;
  • sea ​​urchins and starfish;
  • jellyfish;
  • mussels and oysters.

Large squids and octopuses, and Kamchatka crab live here. In the Sea of ​​Japan you can observe several species of whales, dolphins and seals. Those wishing to get to the Sea of ​​Japan can get to Vladivostok. The flight from Moscow will take on average about 10 hours. The train will cover the route from Moscow to Vladivostok in almost 7 days.

Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea washes the mountainous shores of the Balkan Peninsula, the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula, Sicily and the western coast of Crete. It is part of the Mediterranean Sea, separated from the neighboring Adriatic Sea by a strait.

In terms of the salinity of sea water, the Ionian Sea is one of the five most saline seas. The salt content in the Ionian Sea is 38 ‰. In addition, it is the deepest in the Mediterranean Sea, the maximum depth is 5121 m. The water area is 169,000 km², the water is clean, transparent, and has a blue tint.

The diversity of flora and fauna in the Ionian Sea is ensured by the ecology and high water temperature - min t° never falls below 14°C in winter time. Larger species in the waters include bottlenose dolphins, tuna, and sharks. Among the plants, algae of various types predominate. Cephalopods reproduce well in the Ionian Sea: there is a wide variety of them here, as well as edible mollusks.

The resorts of the Ionian coast are located in the Italian region of Calabria, the island of Sicily, Albania, on the islands of Crete (western part) and Corfu, where you can only fly from Russia. Flights to the Mediterranean are organized from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Aegean Sea

The Aegean Sea washes the coasts of Turkey and Greece and is another component of the Mediterranean. Half of its outskirts are fenced by land: on the east side - Turkey, on the west - the Balkan coast, in the north - the island of Lemnos and the Chalkidiki peninsula. The exit to the Mediterranean basin is blocked by many islands of different sizes.

There are almost 2000 islands in the Aegean Sea. In the northeast is the Dardanelles Strait, separating it from the Sea of ​​Marmara.

The salinity of the ancient water area is 38.5 ‰, which is higher than the average ocean level. The total area is 179,000 km², the maximum depth is up to 2500 m, the calculated average depth is 1000 m. Bottom Aegean Sea very picturesque, covered with white sand, on which bright emerald grass grows. The water is clear, with an azure tint.

The terrain is bizarre with numerous naturally created grottoes. The main species of flora and fauna are similar to the Ionian Sea, but not so numerous. Lives in the Aegean Sea a large number of sponges, octopuses, cuttlefish, there are small cat sharks. There are peculiar inhabitants of the depths: clown fish, parrot fish, mollusk - limpet.

Getting from Russia to Turkish resorts on the Aegean coast will not be a problem. Travel agencies offer tours with flights to suit every taste from different cities. You can easily fly to Athens, Greece, from St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Mediterranean Sea

Located on the list of the largest, deep-water seas in the world, the Mediterranean Sea is classified as part of the Atlantic Ocean. Its water area covers 2,500,000 km² and serves as a division for Europe, Africa and Asia. The shores are so curved and cut into the watery territory that protruding parts of the land delimit it into several marginal seas.

Due to its enormous size and multi-level bottom topography, the depth of the Mediterranean Sea ranges from a minimum average of 242 m to a maximum depth of 5121 m.

In the ranking of the saltiest seas, the Mediterranean Sea is in 3rd place. Its salinity level is set at 39.5 ‰. On the Atlantic side, seawater has less salinity due to the mixing of waters through the Strait of Gibraltar. The largest river flowing into the Mediterranean basin from the south is the Nile.

The flora and fauna are characterized by a variety of species with a relatively small number of inhabitants. The poverty of plankton limits the existence of larger living creatures due to lack of nutrition. Among the animal inhabitants there are white-bellied seals, sea turtles, and stingrays. The diversity of fish species is 550 species.

An important place is occupied by commercial, edible shellfish and invertebrate representatives. It is easier and faster to get to all the seas of the Mediterranean basin from Russia by plane. But it is still possible to travel by train from Moscow with 2 transfers through Minsk or Warsaw. Travel time will take 4-5 days.

Red sea

The Red Sea ranks 2nd in the top 10 in terms of salinity, taking into account the Dead Sea. Its salt content in sea water is 40-40.5 ‰, fluctuations range from 38 to 42 ‰. This increased level of salinity is explained by the absence of inflowing freshwater rivers. It shares the African continent with Saudi Arabia on the eastern side and washes the coasts of Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Israel.

The saltiest sea in which you cannot drown (as in the Russian Sea of ​​Japan) covers an area of ​​438,000 km². Its maximum depth reaches more than 2000 m. The bottom topography is not uniform, there are many sharp changes. This sea is also the warmest in the world; even in winter the water temperature does not drop below +20°C.

The Red Sea is surprising in that, with such high salinity, it contains a huge number of species of underwater inhabitants. Ichthyologists have described 1.5 thousand fish and invertebrates, about 300 species of various corals. The mysteries of the Red Sea puzzle scientists all over the world to this day; all the depths have not been fully explored.

The Red Sea attracts a lot of tourists. Airports to which there are direct flights from Russia are located in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Domestic airlines or buses will take you directly to the coast.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is only called a sea, in reality it is an endorheic lake. In terms of salinity level - 270 ‰, it ranks 1st in the world and exceeds the ocean average by 8.6 times. In addition to salts, water contains a unique amount of minerals, which has a beneficial healing effect on health.

Located between Palestine, Jordan and Israel. There is a tributary - the Jordan River. The Dead Sea measures 67 km in length and 18 km in width. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 377 m, considered the deepest lake in the world.

The highest concentration of salinity prevents any life from developing in the Dead Sea. At the same time, the smallest microorganisms were still found in the lake water.

Masses of people who want to improve their health flock to the Dead Sea. There is a bus service from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to the lake. Also, one-day excursions to the Dead Sea are organized from any Israeli city.

Top 5 saltiest seas in Russia

Curious details about him underwater world:

  • some individuals migrate from the north to southern waters in cold weather;
  • small jellyfish live in underwater thickets, contact with which causes paralysis, and a repeated bite can be fatal;
  • There are 12 species of sharks in the depths.

The saltiest sea in Russia after Japan is the Barents Sea. Its salinity is determined to be 32-35 ‰.

Facts for those interested in interesting things:

  • the entire water space of the Barents Sea is located beyond the Arctic Circle;
  • in April, 75% of its area is occupied by floating icebergs;
  • In 4 years, all sea waters are renewed.

The Bering Sea, with a salinity level of 28-33.5%, ranks 3rd in Russia.

Interesting details about him:

  • considered the largest sea in Russia;
  • the northern outskirts of its water area are already covered with ice at the very beginning of autumn, and thaw only at the end of May, beginning of June;
  • The Bering Sea is stretched in 3 climatic zones– arctic, subarctic and temperate.

The list continues with the Sea of ​​Okhotsk with a salinity of 25-33 ‰, occupying 4th place.

Its attractions:

  • the glow of water and ice caused by the phosphorescent plankton living in it was recorded;
  • Almost 120 rivers flow into this sea;
  • fishing in the waters of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk is the absolute right of Russia.

Interesting facts:

  • the only sea that washes only the borders of Russia;
  • in former times this sea was called Icy;
  • The Vikings called the White Sea the Bay of Snakes, due to the curvature of the coastline.

Top 5 Russian seas in descending order in the table:

Name of the sea Salinity (‰) Area (thousand km²)
Japanese 35 1 062
Barentsevo 32-35 1 400
Beringovo 28-33,5 2 000
Okhotsk 25-33 1 583
White 23-30 90

The saltiest lakes in Russia, where you can't drown

Russian lakes with a high salt content are not inferior to the Dead Sea in terms of therapeutic effects on the human body. Many of them have higher mineral content. Their salinity is so high that it is impossible to drown in them.

The saltiest of them:

  1. Lake Baskunchak is located in the Astrakhan region. The area of ​​the reservoir is 106 km², the depth reaches 3 m. The saturation with sodium salts (300 g/l) is supplemented with mineral mud used in the treatment of various diseases.
  2. Lake Razval- a reservoir formed on the site of a salt quarry by filling it with flood waters. Deep lake, in some places up to 18-22 m, small size– 0.068 km², located in the city of Sol-Iletsk, Orenburg region. The high salt content (200 g/l) and minerals favors the treatment of many diseases.
  3. Lake Elton, located near the Kazakh border, in the Volgograd region, has a second name - Golden Lake. In terms of salt saturation, it is ahead of the Dead Sea - up to 400 g/l. Filled with a mixture of saline solution and hydrogen sulfide mud. The area of ​​the lake is 152 km² with a shallow depth of only 1.5 m. Not far from it there is a sanatorium of the same name.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the saltiest seas in Russia

Features of the saltiest sea in Russia - the Sea of ​​Japan:

) or PSU (Practical Salinity Units) units of the Practical Salinity Scale.

Content of some elements in sea water
Element Content,
mg/l
Chlorine 19 500
Sodium 10 833
Magnesium 1 311
Sulfur 910
Calcium 412
Potassium 390
Bromine 65
Carbon 20
Strontium 13
Bor 4,5
Fluorine 1,0
Silicon 0,5
Rubidium 0,2
Nitrogen 0,1

Salinity in ppm is the amount of solids in grams dissolved in 1 kg of seawater, provided that all halogens are replaced by an equivalent amount of chlorine, all carbonates are converted to oxides, and organic matter is burned.

In 1978, the practical salinity scale (PSS-78) was introduced and approved by all international oceanographic organizations, in which the measurement of salinity is based on electrical conductivity (conductometry), and not on water evaporation. Oceanographic CTD sounders became widely used in marine research in the 1970s, and since then salinity has been measured primarily electrically. To check the operation of electrical conductivity cells that are immersed in water, laboratory salt meters are used. In turn, standard seawater is used to check salinity meters. Standard sea water recommended international organization IAPSO for checking salinity meters, produced in the UK by the Ocean Scientific International Limited (OSIL) laboratory from natural sea water. If all measurement standards are met, a salinity measurement accuracy of up to 0.001 PSU can be obtained.

The PSS-78 scale produces numerical results similar to mass fraction measurements, and differences are noticeable either when measurements with precision better than 0.01 PSU are required or when the salt composition does not correspond to the standard composition of ocean water.

  • Atlantic Ocean - 35.4 ‰ The highest salinity of surface waters in the open ocean is observed in subtropical zone(up to 37.25 ‰), and the maximum is in the Mediterranean Sea: 39 ‰. In the equatorial zone, where the maximum amount of precipitation is recorded, salinity decreases to 34 ‰. A sharp desalination of water occurs in the estuary areas (for example, at the mouth of La Plata - 18-19 ‰).
  • Indian Ocean - 34.8 ‰. The maximum salinity of surface waters is observed in Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, where it reaches 40-41 ‰. High salinity (more than 36 ‰) is also observed in the southern tropical zone, especially in eastern regions, and in the northern hemisphere also in the Arabian Sea. In the neighboring Bay of Bengal, due to the desalinating influence of the Ganges runoff with the Brahmaputra and Irrawaddy, the salinity is reduced to 30-34 ‰. The seasonal difference in salinity is significant only in the Antarctic and equatorial zones. In winter, desalinated waters from the northeastern part of the ocean are transported by the monsoon current, forming a tongue of low salinity along 5° N. w. In summer this language disappears.
  • Pacific Ocean - 34.5 ‰. They have maximum salinity tropical zones(maximum up to 35.5-35.6 ‰), where intense evaporation is combined with a relatively small amount of precipitation. To the east, under the influence of cold currents, salinity decreases. High precipitation also reduces salinity, especially at the equator and in the westerly circulation zones of temperate and subpolar latitudes.
  • Arctic Ocean - 32 ‰. In the Arctic Ocean there are several layers of water masses. The surface layer has low temperature(below 0 °C) and low salinity. The latter is explained by the desalination effect of river runoff, melt water and very weak evaporation. Below there is a subsurface layer, colder (up to −1.8 °C) and more saline (up to 34.3 ‰), formed when surface waters mix with the underlying intermediate water layer. The intermediate water layer is Atlantic water coming from the Greenland Sea with a positive temperature and high salinity (more than 37 ‰), spreading to a depth of 750-800 m. Deeper lies the deep water layer, which is formed in winter also in the Greenland Sea, slowly creeping in a single stream from the strait between Greenland and Spitsbergen. The temperature of deep waters is about −0.9 °C, salinity is close to 35 ‰. .

The salinity of ocean waters varies depending on latitude, from the open part of the ocean to the shores. In the surface waters of the oceans, it is lower in the equator region, in polar latitudes.

Name Salinity,
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Several seas have the honor of being called “the saltiest”. The Dead and Red Seas are the undoubted leaders. Only Red is part of the World Ocean (MO, Ocean), connected to it by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. The Dead Sea lake is a remnant of an ancient pool. This body of water on the Eurasian continent does not have a direct connection with the ocean. Let's find out which sea is the saltiest without delving into geographic “subordination.” Let’s compare the mineralization of the planet’s water bodies and find out what this indicator depends on. We will focus on the word “sea” in the names of geographical objects.

What property of water is called “salinity”?

Simple experience convinces us: there are impurities even in fresh lakes, rivers, and springs. If you pour some tap water into a saucer and leave it in the sun, the liquid will evaporate. There will be a white coating at the bottom - this is salt. We weigh it and get a value close to 2 g/l, calculated per 100 g of water - 0.2%. Only distilled water has no impurities, but its consumption is harmful to the human body. The World Ocean contains an average of 35 g of salts per liter. Based on the color and transparency of the water, it is more difficult to recognize what is in front of us: a large fresh lake or a salt sea. Photo of a reservoir taken from a good angle, and even taste sensations help resolve this dilemma.

“Salinity” refers to the content of dissolved substances, this indicator is measured in ppm. The unit was specially introduced to study the composition of water; it was included in school and university geography textbooks. Let's simplify the explanation and relate the salinity indicator to the mass fraction as a percentage. Promile is a tenth of a percent, designated “‰”.

Sea water is a multicomponent solution

Mass (g) of common chemical elements in 1 liter of sea water:

  • chlorine - 19.5;
  • sodium - 10.8;
  • magnesium - 1.3;
  • sulfur - 0.9.

Less than 1 g is contained in the water of the seas of calcium, potassium, bromine, carbon, strontium, boron, fluorine, silicon. Chemistry experts will object that in the form of simple substances, the above-mentioned sodium and potassium are flammable, while sulfur, carbon and other substances are insoluble. In fact, during calculations, the mass fractions of elements are obtained, and they are in water in the form of ions: Na +, K +, Mg +, Ca +, Cl -, B -, S 2-, Br -, HCO 3-, SO 4 2- and other cations and anions.

Why are the solute levels different?

In the debate about which sea is the saltiest, several elementary truths are forgotten. Heraclitus, Plato and other ancient thinkers said that everything moves, you cannot enter the same water twice. The composition and amount of impurities in seas, rivers and lakes is constantly changing. The following factors influence the indicators:

  • distance from the equator and the associated amount of solar radiation;
  • climate and weather;
  • amount of precipitation;
  • surface and underground runoff;
  • types and strength of rocks composing the bottom and shores;
  • vital activity of organisms in water.

The salinity of the seas also depends on warm currents, because the solubility of most substances increases with increasing temperatures. Coastal waters in areas where there is significant surface runoff from the mainland are desalinated, for example, in the deltas of the Nile, La Plata and other large rivers. As ice melts, salinity decreases. When ice cover forms, it increases.

Which sea is the saltiest in the world's oceans?

Many people remember from school that the salinity of water depends on evaporation. The higher it is, the more salts accumulate. In the polar latitudes in winter this pattern is violated. When ice forms, the salinity of water increases, reaching record levels in the Greenland Sea for the northern part of the Moscow Region. Closer to temperate latitudes, the desalination influence of rivers and large amounts of precipitation are felt. Salinity reaches a maximum south of 45° N. w. and north of 10° S. w. This area contains the saltiest seas in the world:

  • Red - 41‰;
  • Mediterranean - 39‰;
  • Arabian - 36‰.

Significant amounts of precipitation and the flow of great rivers reduce salinity in equatorial latitudes.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is the saltiest part of the MO

Having compared all the factors, we come to the final conclusion that the Red Sea is the saltiest. The body of water mentioned in the Old Testament is located between northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. According to biblical legend, the Red Sea parted before the Israelites fleeing Egypt, and a wide passage appeared. Scientists have created a computer model proving that the legend does not contradict the laws of physics.

About 41 g of impurities are dissolved in 1 liter of Red Sea water. Salinity increases from north to south, reaching its maximum value in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. There is practically no river flow in this region; precipitation falls much less than water evaporates. Temperatures are consistently high throughout the year. Factors turned out to be favorable for the rich organic world the Red Sea, the development of tourism on its shores.

Salty seas of Russia

Knowing the basic patterns that affect the content of dissolved substances, it is easier to determine which sea is the saltiest in Russia. In the north - Barents, in the east - Japanese. The salinity of water above the Arctic Circle varies significantly throughout the year. In the west of the Barents Sea, this figure reaches 35.0‰, but decreases significantly when moving east. The saltiest sea in Russia is the Sea of ​​Japan; the salinity of its water remains stable at around 34‰.

Dead Sea Lake - a natural phenomenon

The greatest influence on the content of dissolved substances is exerted by evaporation and the amount of precipitation atmospheric precipitation. A combination of factors turned out to be favorable for the accumulation of salts in the lake on the Israeli-Jordanian border. The saltiest water is in the sea-lake, which is called Dead. The water is so dense that a person floats on its surface without effort.

Salinity levels are very high - from 300 to 370‰. The average content of dissolved substances is 33.7% (in 1 liter of water there are 337 g of salts). Not only the salty water, low location on land, but also the famous mud also made the lake famous. Highly mineralized sludge contains salts of about 300 g/kg.

Mineralogical composition of the Dead Sea

In total, the lake water contains dozens of mineral and organic components. We present data on the most common compounds indicating the mass fraction of the substance in the composition of all dissolved salts:

  • magnesium chloride - 50.8%;
  • calcium chloride - 14.4%;
  • sodium chloride - 30.4%;
  • potassium chloride - 4.4%.

After swimming in the waters of the Dead Sea, you should rinse off the concentrated salt solution so that it does not corrode the skin. Increased concentrations in mud were noted for the following biologically important substances: iodine, bromine, and hormone-like molecules. Sulfates in water of the Dead There are few lakes and seas, but there are a lot of bromides, which increases the healing effect of brine.

The famous salt sea lakes are disappearing

Media reports about the fate of the Dead and Aral Seas further fuel interest in the reservoirs. The surface of the Dead Sea is already 420 m below the level of the Ocean and is falling by about 1 m annually. According to researchers, in 40 years catastrophic changes similar to those that occurred with the Aral Sea may occur. For a long time, bodies of water have been constantly mentioned in answers to the question “which sea is the saltiest?” Dead Lake continues to conscientiously fulfill its obliging name. Salty water kills bacteria and prevents algae from developing.

The French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote poetic lines about fresh water. He wrote about a liquid without color, taste or smell: “It is impossible to describe you, they enjoy you without knowing what you are,” “You are life itself.” It is a pity that the writer did not make equally poetic comparisons when he saw sea water. After all, the liquid environment of the animal body contains the same salts that were in the ancient ocean, which became the cradle of all life on Earth.