why is the ocean salty, and how did it get that way?

Question

why is the ocean salty, and how did it get that way?

In: 2228

Answer 1

Rain washes salt from the land into the sea, then the seawater evaporates forming clouds and more rain but leaves the salt. More rain falls, washing more salt into the sea and the cycle continues. Vey small amounts of salt build-up over millions of years to make the sea now about 3.5% saline by weight.