Which one among the following sequences of water bodies, from lower to higher salinity concen- tration, is correct?

The salinity of water bodies is determined by the balance of evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater influx. The Baltic Sea has the lowest salinity among the options, ranging from 7 to 31 parts per thousand (ppt), due to significant freshwater influx from rivers and melting ice [3]. The Arctic Sea follows with low salinity in its polar surface waters (approximately 33 ppt) caused by seasonal ice melting [3]. The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) exhibits higher salinity, typically between 35 and 35.8 ppt, resulting from high evaporation rates and limited freshwater input in its arid environment. The Red Sea has the highest salinity concentration, averaging 39 to 40 ppt, due to extreme surface evaporation, high temperatures, and a lack of significant river discharge [3]. Therefore, the correct sequence from lower to higher salinity is Baltic Sea-Arctic Sea-Gulf of California-Red Sea.

Sources

1. [3] https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/ocean/sea-water
2. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > marine (sea/ocean) ecosystem > p. 29