🔍 Key Concepts

• Freezing spray formation depends on both air temperature and the fact that seawater is salty, so it freezes at a lower temperature than fresh water. • The freezing point of seawater is below 32°F (0°C) because of the dissolved salts. • Operational guidance in cold-weather seamanship often gives a specific air temperature at which icing from spray becomes likely.

💭 Think About

• First, recall approximately what temperature normal fresh water freezes at, then ask yourself: will salt water freeze at a higher or lower temperature than that? • Look at the answer choices that are close to, but not exactly at, the freezing point of fresh water—would freezing spray be expected slightly below or far below that point? • Think about practical seamanship: at what approximate temperature do mariners start to worry about ice buildup from spray on decks and superstructures?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which option is just below the freezing point of fresh water but still realistic for normal operating conditions. • Eliminate any temperatures that are so extreme that they are more about polar conditions than common guidance for anticipating freezing spray. • Check which choice best matches the idea that salt lowers the freezing point compared with 32°F (0°C).