system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why does the ocean have its distinct smell?

Edit: thank you so much for all the responses! You guys are awesome :)
gpt
You're smelling the salt water getting into the air. Whether by crashing up against things or through waves forming and then dissipating, the salt water gets into the air and that is the distinct smell.

I'd imagine other things, like the sand, contribute to it.