Hosted on MSN

Why is ocean water salty, but lakes and rivers aren’t: the natural forces that keep rivers fresh

Understanding why ocean water is salty but river water isn’t is a fascinating topic, and one that has intrigued scientists for centuries. The answer lies in a combination of geological and natural ...
PBS

Planes are dumping ocean water to fight the Los Angeles fires. Here’s why using saltwater is typically a last resort

Firefighters battling the deadly wildfires that raced through the Los Angeles area in January 2025 have been hampered by a limited supply of freshwater. So, when the winds are calm enough, skilled ...
The Conversation

Firefighting planes are dumping ocean water on the Los Angeles fires − why using saltwater is typically a last resort

Patrick Megonigal receives funding from the Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Lab, National Science Foundation, and Simons Foundation. He is affiliated with Pacific Northwest National ...