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Oceans’ salinity changed over last half-century

Warmer atmosphere may be to blame for changes in water cycle

By Devin Powell

- More than 2 years ago

More water moved into and out of the atmosphere in 2000 than in 1950, making saltier parts of the world’s oceans saltier and fresher waters less salty, researchers report in the April 27 Science.

Over the second half of the 20th century, parts of the world’s ocean became saltier (red) and parts became fresher (blue) as the amount of water evaporating from the surface and falling as rain increased.