Question: An oceanographer measures the salinity of three water samples as 34.2, 35.1, and 34.8 parts per thousand. What is the average salinity, in parts per thousand?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:09:08 +0000

**The ocean holds secrets:
How scientists calculate salinity and what it reveals** Why is understanding salt concentration in ocean water more than just a science fact? In coastal communities, marine research hubs, and even everyday discussions about climate shifts, salinity measurements are quietly shaping our understanding of ocean health. An oceanographer recently measured three water samples with salinities of 34.2, 35.1, and 34.8 parts per thousand—prompting a clear question: What is the true average, and why does it matter? This inquiry reflects a growing public interest in how subtle changes in ocean salinity reflect broader environmental patterns. From shifts in ocean currents to impacts on marine life and global climate systems, even small variations in salt concentration carry meaningful data. ---