Why is the ocean salty? Ocean salinity explained, plus the world's saltiest ocean.

There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the ocean in the summertime. Sand, sunshine and the smell of salt water are practically staples when the weather gets warm.

The only thing that’s unpleasant about the ocean is accidentally swallowing a mouthful of salt water during an underwater dip or a rogue wave. Many animals thrive in the seawater that is their home. Certain fish, sharks, turtles and even penguins have evolved to secrete the salt from ocean water, which helps them use it for drinking water.

Why is the ocean salty?

The ocean’s salt comes from two sources: runoff from the land and openings in the seafloor.

Rocks that end up in ocean water are the primary source. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, erodes rocks over time. The eroding rocks release ions that eventually end up in the ocean after they pass through streams and rivers, according to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.

There are also hydrothermal fluids, which come from openings at the bottom of the ocean, NOAA says. Ocean water heats up from magma at the Earth’s core when it seeps into cracks in the seafloor. The heat causes chemical reactions, including underwater volcanic eruptions, that release minerals into the ocean. This process also causes water to lose oxygen, magnesium and sulfates and pick up iron, zinc and copper.

Another reason for the ocean’s saltiness, says NOAA, is salt domes, which are vast salt deposits formed over time.

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Why aren’t other bodies of water salty?

Not all bodies of water are salty like oceans. This is because rain replenishes the freshwater in rivers and streams. Oceans, on the other hand, collect salt and minerals from every river that flows into them. According to NOAA, rivers carry about 4 billion tons of dissolved salts to oceans annually.

Which ocean is the saltiest?

Of the world’s five ocean basins — Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic — the Atlantic has the highest salinity, says the National Weather Service. This is because salinity decreases near the equator and at both poles.

The salinity of an ocean varies in different areas. Heavy rainfall in the tropics near the equator decreases the salinity as the fresh water falls into the salty ocean.

The Red Sea has the saltiest ocean water, according to the National Weather Service, with a salinity level of about 40%, due to the region’s high evaporation rate.

Is swallowing salt water from the ocean bad for you?

In large quantities, yes. Accidentally swallowing a small amount of seawater during a swim won’t make too much of an impact. Still, NOAA warns humans aren’t meant to drink salt water. The salt content in the ocean is much higher than what the human body can process, and there can be deadly consequences if overconsumed.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is the sea salty? Here's which ocean is the saltiest and why.