Assertion (A): The salinity of oceans is relatively higher near the equator than at other regions. Reason (R): Equator region has heavy rainfall, high relative humidity and calm air.

The Assertion (A) is false because the salinity of oceans is actually lower near the equator compared to the subtropical regions. While the equator experiences high temperatures, the average salinity is approximately 35 parts per thousand, whereas the highest salinity (around 37) is found in the subtropical high-pressure belts between 20° and 30° N and S [2]. The Reason (R) is true and correctly describes the equatorial climate: it is characterized by heavy rainfall, high relative humidity, and the calm air of the doldrums [2]. This high precipitation and humidity lead to a net gain of fresh water, which dilutes the seawater and reduces its salinity [3]. Therefore, the conditions described in the Reason are the very factors that make the Assertion false, as they prevent the equator from having the highest salinity levels.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Atlantic > p. 519
2. [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > Salinity of the Ocean > p. 107
3. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Water (Oceans) > SALINITY OF OCEAN WATERS > p. 104