https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-ocean-salty Skip to main content U.S. flag An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Dot gov Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Https Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Home U.S. Geological Survey * Science + Science Explorer o Biology o Climate o Coasts o Energy o Environmental Health o Geology o Information Systems o Maps and Mapping o Methods and Analysis o Minerals o Natural Hazards o Ocean o Planetary Science o Science Technology o Water + Mission Areas o Core Science Systems o Ecosystems o Energy and Minerals o Natural Hazards o Water Resources + Programs + Regions o Northeast Region o Southeast Region o Midcontinent Region o Rocky Mountain Region o Southwest Region o Alaska Region o Northwest-Pacific Islands Region + Science Centers + Observatories + Laboratories + Frequently Asked Questions + Educational Resources + Special Topics + USGS Celebrates the Year of Open Science * Products + Data o Data Management o Data Releases o Real-time Data o All Data + Maps o Map Releases o Topographic (Topo) Maps o Volcanic Maps o All Maps +