Sea Water: Definition, Importance and Key Uses Explained for Kids

Sea water is one of the most underutilised resources on earth. Although we don’t consume it directly there are many uses of sea water that make a precious resource of our planet. It gives us oxygen, regulates our climate, provides food, runs industries and even helps our skin to heal. With the scarcity of freshwater resources and drastic change in climate, it is highly crucial to use sea water smartly. Let’s explore more about what sea water is made of, its importance and uses in our life.

Table of Contents 

• What is Sea Water
• Importance of Sea Water
• Key Uses of Sea Water

What is Sea Water

Sea water is not just salty water, it is an amazing blend of water and salts. The proportion of salt and water in sea water is approx 2.5% salt and 96.5% water. Sodium chloride (NaCl) constitutes the main salt component of sea water. Other components constituting sea water include sulfate, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are also a part of this blend of sea water. For over millions years during rains that eroded minerals from rocks into the rivers that deposited into the sea. As a result of this the rich, layered liquid called salt water is present in our ocean and sea in enormous amounts on our planet.

Importance of Sea Water 

Understanding the importance of sea water in our lives is crucial as it is not only important but it is vital for the existence of life on earth.

Sustains Life: The production of oxygen is indeed the most important part that sea water plays in our lives. Phytoplankton are small microscopic plants also known as macrogreens that produce large amounts of oxygen under sea water. These plants are responsible for producing nearly 54% of the total oxygen on earth. We all need oxygen to survive that invisibly comes from the ocean.

Regulates Climate: The earth’s climate regulation is another critical role that sea water plays in our environment. The sea water absorbs excessive heat from the sun and redistributes heat and moisture through ocean currents. This helps to regulate the distribution of heat around the globe. Without sea water, a major portion of the earth would either remain freezing cold or drastically hot.

Reservoirs of Biodiversity: Life is said to have originated from sea water. Sea water is home for many different species of fish, plants and micro organisms that are an essential part of our food chain. Their existence entirely depends on sea water and they’re a source of food for billions of people world-wide. 

Key Uses of Sea Water

Extraction of Minerals and Salts: Salt and many other minerals like magnesium, bromine, etc., are extracted from salt water. The most salt we get from sea water is sodium chloride also known as table salt that we use for cooking, food preservation, and industrial chemical manufacturing. 

Drinking Water: We can use sea water for drinking through desalination. The distilled sea water is used for production of renewable energy and for fishing. Countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE are already using distillation plants to meet the daily needs of their people. 

Producing Electricity: Sea water serves as a powerful renewable resource to generate electricity. Hydropower or tidal power plants harness the kinetic energy of tides to generate electricity. It is also a highly efficient and clear source of renewable energy.

Trading and Transportation

Sea voyage had been a preferred medium for exploration, transportation and trade for over thousands years. Over 80% of the world trade in the past was done through sea water. For many civilisations sea routes remain the most cost-effective way to exchange goods, cultures and diplomatic ties.

Medicinal Use: Due to many therapeutic properties of sea water it has long been used in medicines. This mineral rich water relieves stress, inflammation and nourishes skin making it smooth and glowing. Many beauty and care products like creams, nasal sprays and solutions are produced using minerals found in sea water.

Fishing and Aquaculture: Hundreds of people living near coastal areas depend heavily on sea water for their basic needs. Sea water also supports aquaculture that is a fastest growing food sector and is a means of livelihood for millions of people worldwide.