What role does seawater play in the process of solution?

Seawater plays a crucial role in the process of solution by dissolving soluble materials. This process occurs when seawater, which contains various ions such as sodium, chloride, and magnesium, comes into contact with rocks and sediments that contain soluble compounds. As seawater flows over these materials, it can break them down at the atomic level, leading to their dissolution. This is particularly significant in coastal environments, where saltwater interacts with coastal rocks made of limestone or other soluble minerals, contributing to erosion and shaping the coastline over time. This aspect of seawater's interaction with geological materials is fundamental to coastal processes and landform development.