In a recent TikTok video, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson addressed a curious question: Why is ocean water salty while rivers and lakes are not? Tyson explained that the answer lies in the concept of time.
He remarked, “Have you ever wondered why the ocean is salty? Rainwater is not salty, and rivers do not taste salty either. So, why does everything taste like a pretzel when it reaches the sea?” Tyson elaborated on this phenomenon, emphasizing that ocean water accumulates over time, unlike river water.
When rain falls, it carries with it various mineral particles, including sodium and chloride, which eventually end up in rivers and, ultimately, the ocean. “The oceans don”t go anywhere. They are the planet”s chemical trap, which never empties,” Tyson noted in the video.
He concluded by reminding viewers, “The next time you taste seawater, remember this: you are savoring the remnants of ancient mountains, dissolved over time and stored in the Earth”s final basin.” This insightful explanation highlights the intricate relationship between water, minerals, and the geological history of our planet.
