UCSB Earth 4: Intro to Oceanography FINAL
The density of ice is approximately
0.92...
What do I mean by the anatomy of a wave? What is L? d? C?***
Anatomy of a wave refers to the wavelength (L), depth to the bottom (d), and speed (C).
This is expected to someday engulf and destroy Earth
Red giant sun
Spreading
Results in the formation of new oceanic crust
What is the Scientific method and how is it applied to study the ocean?
Scientific Method: 1. Ask a question 2. Form a working hypothesis 3. Observe or Experiment 4. Form theories and laws - Can be applied to study the ocean by making predictions and studying things like climate change or sea floor spreading.
S-wave
Second motion to arrive at a distant site following an earthquake
From what materials do ocean sediments form and what do sediments tell us about Earth's history?
Sediment is particles of organic or inorganic matter that accumulate in a loose unconsolidated form. New sediment comes from sea floor spreading, covers underlying topography, showswhere spreading is occurring, layers are tested for age and organismsWhat are some of the local sediment features? Santa Barbara basin, Arguello canyon, Rodriguez Seamoun
The heat source for hydrothermal vents is the underlying magma
TRUE
Subduction
Typically results from a collision involving an oceanic plate
Scientists think that all matter in the Universe was formed by
the big bang
What are the major features of the Ocean floor at the global scale? At what depths and in what areas do you find these major features?
* Most of the Sea floor consists of sediment on top of crust (oceanic and continental). * Plate tectonics gives rise to major features of the sea floor. * In many places sediment covers underlying topography. * The margins of the continents are generally submerged.
Draw the depth distribution for temperature.
*see diagram
How much heat is required to change 1000 grams of steam at 140 degrees celsius to liquid water at 40 degrees celsius? Is this heat released or absorbed by the H20?
*see example - Released
On a recent ocean cruise you collected 5000 liters of seawater in a tub for observation of microbes. However, you forgot to put a lid on the tub, and all of the water evaporated. If the salinity of the water was initially 34, then what was the mass of salt left after evaporation, if the initial density of the seawater is 1.03 g/cm^3?
*see problem
Why was Wegener's theory not accepted by the scientific community during his lifetime?
- Catastrophism (teachings of the bible) were still widely believed/accepted - People still believed the mantle was solid
Where and how did elements heavier than hydrogen originate? What distinguishes the formation of elements lighter than iron versus those heavier than iron?
- Every element heavier than hydrogen was created and released into space by stars - All elements lighter than iron were created through nuclear fusion located in the core of the star. All elements heavier than iron were created by a dying star and its supernova. -NuclearFusion- The process in which light atoms such as those of hydrogen and deuterium combine andform heavier atoms, releasing a great amount of energy, that primarily manifests itself in the formof heat. After a star begins fusion it is said to be in a state of nuclear stability. It does not expandor shrink at that time. It burns its hydrogen fuel at a steady rate, converting hydrogen to atoms asheavy as carbon or oxygen. All life comes from stars & these processes
The British Royal Navy officer named _____ led three voyages to the _____. His first voyage was to the island of _____. His final expedition included a failed attempt to find the fabled _____, and ended with his death in _____, where he was killed after a dinner party gone awry.
- James Cook - Pacific - New Zealand - Northwest Passage - Hawaii
What causes equatorial upwelling? How does this relate to the Easterly winds and the to the ITCZ? How does this relate to primary productivity at the equator? ***
- Southeast trade winds cause a south equatorial current (ITCZ) at the equator, so water in the northern hemisphere goes right and water in the southern hemisphere goes left. - This creates upwelling, or the upward motion of water. This motion brings cold, nutrient rich waters towards the surface. Which creates a thriving environment for organisms.
Is the Earth system Open or Closed with respect to matter/energy?***
- The Earth is a closed system where materials cycle between the lithosphere (Earth), atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. - "Closed" because energy from sunlight enters and no matter enters or leaves (except for the rare meteorite)
What are three observations used by Wegener to supports his theory of continental drift?
- The coast of South America fits into Africa - glacial erosion - similar fossils found on different continents
How did Earth's atmosphere and ocean form? Describe each step. ***
- The sun stripped away Earth's first atmosphere - Water vapor was slowly released via "outgassing" from Earth's core - Comets deposited water as well - Water vapor in the atmosphere condensed into clouds - After millions of years, the clouds cooled enough for water droplets to form - Hot rain fell and boiled back into clouds; this process continued until water eventually was cool enough to collect at the surface -The atmosphere was formed when the gasses that were trapped inside the forming planetburped to the surface to form a second atmosphere.Oceans formed due to a constant cycle of rainand evaporation thanks to the clouds, which eventually lead to the cooling of the earth?s crust andthe ability for an ocean to form. Minerals remained on earth?s crust after rain evaporates; Thematerial came from inside of the earth along with the suggestion that a barrage of icy comets orasteroids collided with earth adding to the accumulating mass of water. Process = Outgassing-The volcanic venting of volatile substances
What factors affect the velocity of a wave? What does ocean depth have to do with wave speed? What sorts of waves are deep water waves vs. shallow water waves (in the open ocean versus near shore)?***
- Velocity is affected by depth to the bottom, wavelength, and gravity. - Wave speed decreases as water depth decreases -
What two factors cause or drive the motion of oceanic plates?
- convection cell currents - slab pull / ridge push
Confirmation of the Theory of Plate Tectonics
----Paleomagnetism: strips of alternating magnetic polarity at spreading regions. ----Apparent Polar wandering: plate movement causes the apparent position of the magnetic poles to have shifted. --Hot Spots: Surface expression of plumes of magma. ----A volcanic island chain can form when a plate passes over a hot spot and a stationary mantle plume. ---Atolls and Guyots: Coral formations and submerged volcanic mountains. Guyots were once volcanic peaks above sea level.
What peoples contributed to the early exploration of the sea? What were their various contributions?
-Polynesians colonized many islands; Vikings made fast & stable ships, discovered NorthAmerica; Chinese explored indonesia, indain ocean, africa, atlantc , invented advanced ships w/ central rudders, water tightcompartments, & sails on multiple masts; Henry the Navigator made detailed charts of west coastof Africa; Christopher Columbus inspired other explorers; Ferdinand Magellan circumnav
What is Seafloor Spreading and how is it powered?***
-Seafloor forms at mid ocean ridges and spreads. -its powered by convection currents. -cooling and shrinking of crust/ ocean depth -sediment thickness and age. Hess and Deitz: Seafloor Spreading (1960) -http://nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/seafloor-spreading/
How did our solar system form? Describe each step.
-The solar system first began as a solar nebula. Events occurred that caused the material to start spinning, which caused some materials to condense while others stayed gas. Material concentrated near the center became the protostar. Steps: 1. Gravitational contraction 2. Disk and Protostar 3. Heating and Ejection 4. Fusion 5. SOLAR SYSTEM!
Western boundary currents
-These are narrow, deep, fast currents found at the western boundaries of ocean basins. • the Gulf Stream • the Japan Current (Kuroshio) • the Brazil Current • the Agulhas Current • the Eastern Australian Current
For water, what relationship exists between the input/removal of heat, temperature and phase? What are sensible and latent heats? Be comfortable with calculations!***
-sensible heat is when you add heat, you can sense the change. -latent heat is hidden, you can't sense the change in temp.
How did the Earth form and become density stratified? Describe each step.***
-young earth was probably homogeneous (uniform) -heat and gravitational pressure caused Earth to partially melt -gravity then pulled the iron present into the center of Earth -This heated Earth further -Lighter minerals migrated to Earth's surface and formed the crust (lasted ~100 million years) -Earth has more dense materials in the middle, Earth was homogenous at first, but becamedensity stratified. Gravity pulled most of the iron and nickel inward to form the planet's core,causing gravitational energy and heating earth even more. Lighter minerals, on the other hand,rose toward the surface, forming Earth's crust. Oceans formed due to a constant cycle of rain andevaporation, which eventually lead to the cooling of the earth?s crust and the ability for an oceanto form. Minerals remain on earth?s crust after rain evaporates; Lower Mantle: 4.5 g/cm3, UpperMantle: 3.3 g/cm3, Lithosphere: Rigid, Continental Crust:2.7 g/cm3, Oceanic Crust: 2.9 g/cm3,Ocean Water: 1 g/cm3.
steady state
1) The overall quantity of the compound (or ...) remains constant. 2) The input rate equals the removal rate (sources = sinks)
Convection Cells
1. Motion in a fluid 2. Uneven T of Earth's mantle warm air rising, closed window but cold, cold air fall, warmedu p by heater
The density of seawater is approximately
1.03 g/cm^3
kcal
1000 calories = 1 kilocalorie = 1 Cal
Dissolved O2
2nd most abundant dissolved gas • Key for biology • O2 is nonconservative • Sources: Photosynthesis & Atmos • Major sink: Respiration
Dissolved CO2
3nd most abundant dissolved gas • Key for biology • CO2 is nonconservative • Sources: Respiration & Atmos • Major sinks: Photosynthesis & mineral precipitation
The maximum number of hydrogen bonds which a single water molecule can form at one time is
4
The maximum density of seawater occurs at what temperature
4 c
earth age
4.6 bill, debate
The maximum density of fresh water occurs at what temperature
4c
What are monsoons, land breezes and sea breezes?
A monsoon is a pattern of wind circulation that changes with the season. Land breezes and sea breezes are small, daily, mini monsoons. The sea breeze is when cooler air from over the sea then moves toward land. The land breeze is movement of air offshore as marine air heats and rises.
mixtures and shiz
A solution is made of two components, with uniform molecular properties throughout: The solvent, which is usually a liquid, and is the more abundant component. The solute, often a solid or gas, is the less abundant component. A mixture is different from a solution. In a mixture the components retain separate identities, so it is NOT uniform throughout.
Confirmation of the Theory of Plate Tectonics
Age and distribution of ocean sediments: The sediment in the ocean is thinner and younger than the age of the ocean indicates it should be. The Oceanic ridges: Oceanic ridges are clear indicators of past events. Terranes: Oceanic plateaus that form by uplifting and mountain building as they strike a continent.
residence time
Amount of element in the ocean The rate at which the element is added to or removed from the ocean time in ocean
acid base alkaline is majorly what
An acid is a substance that releases a hydrogen ion (H+) in solution. A base is a substance that combines with a hydrogen ion in solution. A solution containing a base is called an alkaline solution. acididty is acid obvs ake Home Point: pH scale is not linear
A) Be able to label Heat vs Temperature graph. B) Why is "d" horizontally longer than "b"?
B) D is longer than B because liquid water has a much higher heat capacity than ice.
What is the timeline for major events starting with the big bang through the formation of Earth's ocean? How long ago did major events occur? ***
Big Bang (14 billion) > Galaxies (11 billion) > Solar Nebulas (5 billion) > Earth (4.5 billion) > Oceans (4 billion)
What processes act to change the density of ocean water? How does this drive vertical circulation?***
Caballing is a mixing and sinking process where two distinct water masses with the same density but with different temperatures and salinities will combine at a convergence to produce a new water mass of greater density.
Core
Composed mainly of iron Density = 13 g/cm3
Mantle
Composed of silicon, oxygen, iron and magnesium density = 4.5 g/cm3
Oceanic Crust
Composed primarily of basalt density = 2.9 g/cm3
Continental Crust
Composed primarily of granite density = 2.7 g/cm
Conservative constituents
Conservative constituents of seawater are those constituents that occur in constant proportions. Conservative elements have long residence times and are the most abundant dissolved material in the ocean. major salts like sodium, chloride, and sulfate
Wavelength ***
Controls orbit size. (L)
eddies
Countercurrents flow on the surface in the opposite direction from the main currents. Undercurrents are countercurrents that flow beneath the surface current. Eddies are circular movements of water that form at the interface of adjacent currents flowing in opposite directions.
Hint: If I give you a wavelength and water depth, you should be able to determine if the wave is a deep water or shallow water wave, and you should be able to calculate its velocity.***
Deep water wave: More than 1/2 wavelength. Wave cannot sense the bottom. Shallow water wave: Traveling in water less than 1/20 wavelength.
Where on the planet are deep waters formed? How do we know? What is the global ocean conveyer? How long does one trip around the conveyer take and how does this relate to the mixing time of the ocean?***
Deep waters are formed in the North Atlantic. The global ocean conveyer is the slow moving system that transports water and heat. It takes about 1000 years for water to make a complete trip through this circuit. The mixing time of the ocean is about 1600 years.
Outer Core
Dense, viscous liquid layer, extremely hot
Mantle
Denser and more slowly flowing than the asthenosphere
Describe the fate of the Library at Alexandria, its documents, and last librarian.
During the Roman empire, they believed knowledge was paganism, so they destroyed the entire library and killed its last librarian. The only remaining documents were the copies that were returned to the authors of them.
What is an Eckman spiral (aka Eckman flow), and how does the direction of flow differ at the surface compared to the net flow at depth? How does the flow direction at depth relate to the winds?***
Eckman spiral states that when the top layer of water is driven by wind, each layer of water below it moves at an angle to the right. The water only "feels" the water above it. At friction depth, water will be flowing in the opposite direction from the surface current.
Where else besides Earth have scientists found evidence for "Oceans"?
Europa and Ganymede - moons of the planet Jupiter -uropa: interesting cracks and fissures so its an icy surfae. Underneath the ice is a lyer of water that is maintinaed as water and not frozen bc tidal forces of moon around plent • Mars -had an ocean in the distant past, subsurface water. • Titan - Saturn's largest moon, has an ocean of hydrocarbons
Hydrothermal chimneys are so hot that they are devoid of all life
FALSE
Hydrothermal vents typically occur at the continental rise or shelf
FALSE
Water feeding hydrothermal vents flows from the continents
FALSE
EARLY THEORIES (A.D.1700s - 1920)
FIRST, Earth is shrinking (convergence)? then? now? • This would explain high mountain ranges. • SECOND, Earth is expanding (spreading)? then? now? • This would explain deep valleys. 1. Both convergence and spreading present? 2. Why continent different from ocean crust? 3. Why were marine fossils above sea level? 4. Why did South America & Africa fit?
P-wave
First motion to arrive at a distant site following an earthquake
where they at
Hadley cells are tropical cells found on each side of the equator. Ferrel cells are found at the mid-latitudes. Polar cells are found near the poles.
Where does the heat within Earth's layers come from?
Heat from within Earth keeps the asthenosphere flowing. This allows the lithosphere to keep moving. The source of this heat is radioactive decay, given off when the nuclei of unstable forms of elements break apart.
What is the difference between heat and temperature?
Heat is energy produced by the random vibrations of atoms or molecules (cal). Temperature is an object' s response to input or removal of heat (oC)
What is meant by a "Hot Spot" in geological terminology? Explain what a hot spot is and give an example of one today.
Hot spots are mantle plumes where tectonic plates have passed over them. An example is Hawaii.
Asthenosphere
Hot, partially melted layer which flows slowly
isostatic equilibrium
Huge plates of (lithosphere) "float" on more dense, plastically flowing rocks of the asthenosphere. The "depth" to which a plate, or block of crust, sinks is a function of its weight and varies as the weight changes.
How are Hurricanes formed and sustained? Where do they get their energy from, and what makes them spin? Where do the high and low pressures reside and what determines the direction of spin?
Hurricanes are formed when tropical depressions form in areas of low pressure. Solar energy powers the storm in a cycle of heat absorption, evaporation, condensation, and conversion of heat energy to kinetic energy. Tropical storms turn counter clockwise int he northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere. This is caused by the Coriolis deflecting winds approaching a low pressure area.
sea cucumber,
If you take a sea cucumber on top left, its body water is same salinity as seawater environemnt, no osmotic pressure -body is membrane, same salt conc inside and out - -if you take that sea cucumber and dump it in bucket of freshwater , its body has fluids like salty and in freshwater, the salty water wants to dilute out and sucks in freshwater with osmotic pressure Salt <=--- fresh -and it swells till it explodes -cucumbers when salted are pickles, why are pickles shriveled -pickles in brine solution, bc regular pickle has low salinity, brine drwas out all the fluids and pickle shrivels pacific salmo r -salinity less than seawater, it drinks seawater and excretes salt out of gills and peed out in urin in concentrated amounts to balance water loss of osmosis -theyre freshwer water so ocean pulling water out of them so they would shrivel up Sea<---- fresh -in freshwater , now the waters trying to come into them bc saltier and have sea cucumber problem and would expand and blow up -they absorb salt through gills and stop drinking, kideny makes large volumes of dilute urine and pee out water gained by osmosis
coriolis movement in both hemispheres
In the N. Hemisphere air turns to the right. In the S. Hemisphere air turns to the left.
What is the global circulation pattern of the atmosphere, including the circulation cells, the major surface winds, and the areas of upward and downward movement? How does the ITCZ fit in? At what latitudes are these different features found?***
In the atmosphere, air rises at the equator and falls at the poles. There are three circuits in each hemisphere. The major surface winds are the polar easterlies, westerlies, NE trade winds, and SE trade winds. The inter tropical convergence zone runs along the equator, it is an area where the two winds converge, it is calm place with sultry air, and moist air that contributes to rainforests. From 30 degrees to 60 degrees there are Ferrel Cells and Hadley cells are from 30 degrees to the equator.
Explain the overall heat (radiation) balance of the Earth in general terms. Now the latitudinal heat balance. Why do we call this a balance?
Light (short wave) energy absorbed at the surface is converted into heat. Heat leaves Earth as infrared (long-wave) radiation. At the poles, light strikes Earth at an angle that favors reflection. This leads to a greater amount of heat between 38 degrees north and 38 degrees south of the equator. Basically there is a surplus of heat at the equator. However, water and wind transfer heat to the poles. Balance refers to the amount reflected being equal to the amount incoming.
What different fields of science contribute to the study of the ocean, and how?
Marine Geology - study Earth's crust/composition Physical Oceanography - study waves and currents, climate predictions Marine Biology - study the nature and distribution of marine organisms Chemical Oceanography - study gases and solids dissolved in the ocean Marine Engineering - the design and construction of structures used in/on the ocean Marine Anthropology - study human interactions with the sea
monsoon sea breeze land breee
Monsoons are seasonal patterns of wind circulation. Characterized by dry winters and wet summers. Sea breeze is cool air from over the water moving toward land. Sea breezes occur after sunrise. Land breezes occur after sunset when air cooled by the land blows toward the water.
Dissolved N2
Most abundant dissolved gas • Not readily bioavailable • N2 is conservative • The Bends...
Is the ocean becoming progressively saltier with age?
No, the proportion and amounts of dissolved solids remain constant. This concept is known as the "steady state ocean. " Ions are being added to and removed from the ocean at the same rate.
Nonconservative constituents
Nonconservative constituents have short residence times, and are usually associated with seasonal, biological or short geological cycles. nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate.
What distinguishes nuclear fusion from nuclear fission?
Nuclear fusion: the fusing of two or more lighter atoms into a larger one Nuclear fission: the splitting of a large atom into two or more smaller ones
What important factor allows oceanic plates to move across the surface of the planet?
Oceanic plates (lithosphere) can move across the surface of the planet because they "float" on the flowing, viscous asthenosphere.
What is osmotic pressure? Reverse osmosis? Desalinization?
Osmotic Pressure is the pressure that would have to be applied to a pure solvent to prevent it from passing into a given solution by osmosis. Reverse Osmosis is a process where you deionize water by pushing it through a membrane. Desalinization is taking the salt out of water.
Which side of the water molecule is likely to orient facing toward a cation (+) such as sodium?
Oxygen side (-)
What is: paleomagnetism? Hot spot? Ring of Fire? How do these relate to plate tectonics?
Paleomagnetism: strips of alternating magnetic polarity at spreading regions. Paleomagnetism is the fossil or remanent magnetic field of a rock. A hot spot is a surface expression of a plume of magma rising from a stationary source of heat in the mantle. As new sea floor is created, the magnetic field aligns with earths magnetic field. As the magnetic field changes, it leaves behind old rock containing its previous magnetic field. Volcanoes can form over hot spots, which results in island formations. -Spreading and converging causes volcanoes and hotspots, seen in chains & certain areas;strips of alternating magnetic polarity at spreading regions
What was the Library at Alexandria known for? How did they figure out the size of the Earth.
People would go to the library to study and learn. He found the angle of the sun from two points and used it to estimate the circumference. -The library at Alexandrai, in egypt, was founded in the thrid century BC this libreary stored info on every area of human endeavor Eratosthene of Cyrene was the second librarian at Alexandria. He was the first to calculate the circumference of Earth. He also invented a system of longitude and latitude The principles of celestial navigation were invented at the Library at Alexandria -One was a calculation made by Eratosthene of Cyrene (second librarian , library lasted 600 yrs), he made lat long system we use today -he also calcualted circumference of earth withing 8% of correct value in hundreds of years BC. He did this by knowing angle of sun coming down in 2 diff locations and knowing the distant between the 2 places. Got info from camel people. Knownig angle when sun came down in longest day of year and knew earth was spherical but got it just about right -more than 2000 yrs ago we knew the size of the earth. -Columbus thought earth was small Guy named Potoleme redid it and added correction factor of how light interacts with atmosphere and threw it off by 30% smaller, incorrect sie of asia, so columbus thought he could get to asia through the atalntic ocean -Library listed for 600 yrs, longer than any US university since we aint even 300 years 0Final librarian Hypathea, also first female one, came on scene in early Christian era. Things like knowledge were considered Pagan beliefs 0Citizenry of Roman empire decided this was no good, went in dragged her out and killed her, and burned the place there -A lot was lost there since the practices that were held there, one was that any document came in to Alexandria was that it would be copied and original would stay, and copy handed back -so you accumulated anything written knowledge that came in -Had about 7000 documents that described who knows what Greatest collection of ancient times that existed -A third century BC chart showing the system of latitude and longitude developed by Eratosthenes Current use at bottom, and system by Alexandria at top similar. At top they named different lines by things they went through, handy. -Center of world Alexandria although incorrect now Fairly european view of early exploration stages
photosynthesis, and respiration talkin bout dissolved co2 and o2
Photosynthesis: CO2 + H2O → CH2O + O2 Respiration: CH2O + O2 → CO2 + H2O ---see graph slide 90 lecture 4
Tritium
Radioactive form of hydrogen Released from Nuclear Tests
Inner Core
Solid, very dense and extremely hot
source sinke
Source: The rate at which a compound is added to the ocean. Sink: The rate at which a compound is removed from the ocean
What is meant by steady state? How does this concept apply to salts in the ocean? What equation can be applied? What is a reservoir? Flux? Source? Sink?
Steady state is when ions are added to the ocean at the same rate that they are being removed. This theory explains why the oceans are not getting saltier. The equation of residence time can be applied. Residence Time = Amount of element in the ocean --------------------------------------------- Rate at which element is removed from or added to the ocean. A reservoir is a place where some substance is being kept. Flux is the rate at which something is entering or leaving a reservoir. Source is the rate at which a compound is added to the ocean. Sink is the rate at which a compound is removed.
Five common water masses:
Surface water • Central water • Intermediate water • Deep water • Bottom water
What factors collectively act to create the ocean gyres (be able to list them)? How do these factors interplay (be able to describe them)?***
Surface winds, the suns heat, the Coriolis effect, and gravity, circulates the waters in each hemisphere and forms gyres. The tug of wind on the oceans surface begins a flow of water. The moving water piles up and creates pressure, which is pulled down by gravity in the direction from which it comes. The coriolis effect intervenes, and northern hemisphere surface currents flow to the right while in the southern hemisphere they flow to the left. Continents and basin topography often block continuous flow and help to deflect water into a circular pattern.
What is the Coriolis effect and how does it impact the circulation of the atmosphere? Why are moving objects deflected and in what directions?
The Coriolis effect is caused by the rotation of the earth and the fact that something at the pole is moving slower than something at the equator. The Coriolis effect is when the eastward rotation of Earth on its axis deflects the moving air or water (or any moving object that has mass) away from its initial course. The coriolis effect influences the movement of air in atmospheric circulation cells.In the Northern hemisphere, moving objects veer to the right or clockwise. In the southern hemisphere, they go off course counterclockwise or left.
How does the addition of ions (salt) alter the molecular properties of water? In what ways does water behave differently when ions are present?***
The addition of ions into water causes a cage of water to form around each ion, disrupting water to water hydrogen bonds. The polarity of water molecules causes ionic compounds to dissolve. Ions react with each other to modify the physical properties of water. Increased salinity causes decreased heat capacity & freezing point, slows evaporation, & increases osmotic pressure exerted on a membrane of water molecule when the salinity isdifferent on each side (salty water trying to dilute itself creates pressure
latent heat of vaporization water
The amount of energy required to break the bonds is termed the 540 cal/gram water has highest
gyre
The combined impact of Wind, the Coriolis Effect, Eckman Spiral and Gravity moves water in a circular pattern called a gyre
Lithosphere
The cool, rigid outer layer
What controls the density of water? How does temperature impact the density of fresh water? Salt water? What is the density of ice compared to fresh water and salt water? ***
The density of water is affected by temperature and salinity. The saltier the water, the lower the freezing point.
doldrum horse lat ferrel cell trade winds westerlies
The doldrums are calm equatorial areas where two Hadley cells converge. The horse latitudes are areas between Hadley and Ferrel cells. There is little surface wind in this area. The trade winds are surface winds of Hadley cells. The westerlies are surface winds of Ferrel cells.
Imagine a freshwater lake surrounded by granite bedrock. After the sun rises in the morning, which will experience a more rapid increase in temperature, the lake surface or the exposed granite bedrock? Why? Granite heat capacity: 0.2 cal/gram/C Liquid water heat capacity: 1 cal/gram/C
The granite rock will experience a more rapid increase in temperature because its heat capacity is lower than liquid water. Therefore it is easier to heat up and will do so much faster.
salinity up? heat capaticty freezing evaporation osmosis
The heat capacity of water decreases with increasing salinity • As salinity increases, freezing point decreases • As salinity increases, evaporation slows • Osmotic pressure increases as salinity increases
What are the characteristics of ocean gyres? Why is the hill offset? Where is the energy coming from that pushes the water? What are the different boundary currents and what are their distinctive properties?***
The hill is offset because it has been deflected by the Coriolis effect. The hill is maintained by wind energy.
What are the main salts in sea water, and how much salt is in the entire ocean? How much salt is in one gram of sea water? One kilogram of sea water?
The main salts in seawater are Sodium and Chloride. The oceans salinity varies from about 3.3% to 3.7%, the average being 3.5%. In one kilogram of sea water there is .035 of salt. Salinity of sea water is 34 g/kg.
What are the most abundant dissolved gases in the ocean, where do they come from and where do they go? What are the chemical reactions for photosynthesis and respiration?
The most abundantly dissolved gases in the ocean are N2, O2, and CO2. The dissolved gases come from the surface, and are transported through downwelling.
What is the Northwest passage and what does it have to do with James Cook and Icebreakers?
The northwest passage is a sea route connecting the northern atlantic and pacific oceans through the arctic ocean along the northern coast of north america. James Cook explored it, however no passage was found at that time. However now it is possible for ships to get through with the assistance of ice breakers.
Frequency ***
The number of wave crests passing point A to point B each second. (f= 1/T)
polarit, just read it
The polarity of water molecules causes ionic compounds to dissolve. Nonpolar compounds, like oil, are unable to cause ionic compounds to dissolve.
Osmotic Pressure
The pressure exerted on a membrane when the salinity of water is different on each side of the membrane.
Uniformitarianism
The principle of Uniformitarianism was introduced in 1788. This principle sates that the forces which shaped Earth are identical to forces working today.
What were the James Cook and Challenger explorations known for? What were their purposes and outcomes? How did they achieve these contributions and what major obstacles did they face? What did they contribute to science?
The purpose of the challenger was scientific research because the British thought that there was money to be made by sending Cook to discover things. Accomplishments: -verification of calculations of planetary orbits -charting of new zealand, and the great barrier reef, Tonga, and Easter Island -initiation of friendly relations with native populations. -sampling marine life, land plants, and animals. -recording data about the sea floor. -Verified calculations of planetary orbits; charted New Zealand, Great Barrier Reef, Tonga& Easter Islands; friendly relations w/ natives; sampled marine life, land plants & animals;recorded data concerning ocean floor & geological formations; Challenger: discovered differentlayers of ocean floor; life at great depth; studied currents & ocean floor trenches
What factors impact the density of air, and how?
The temperature and water content of air greatly influence its density. Warm air is less dense than cold air. A mass of warm air occupies more space than cold air because of the molecular movement associated with heat. Near earths surface, air is packed densely by its own weight. As air moves to higher altitudes, it expands and cools.
What is the theory of continental drift? What evidence supported the theory and why was it not accepted in Wegener's lifetime?***
The theory of continental drift states that all the land masses were once a single land mass, named Pangaea, that drifted apart. He believed that the continents were moved towards the equator by a centrifugal effect, which coupled with tidal drag of the sun and moon accounted for the drifting of the continents. ---he proposed the driving mechanism for it to be a centrifugal force, but he didnt have any evidence/ shot in the dark ---the athenopshere wasnt thought to be any part viscuous or liquid at all but solid, so how would it make sense for the continents on the lithosphere to get the force to drift? it wouldnt. hockey pucks -1. No evidence for dramatic movement of the continents (tracks) 2. Sketchy mechanism (centrifugation) 3. Prevailing concept: solid mantle
What is the theory of plate tectonics? What are the driving forces and how does this theory explain Earth's terrain.***
The theory of plate tectonics are the ideas of continental drift and sea floor spreading coming together to form one theory. -It states that Earths outer layer consists of about a dozen separate major lithospheric plates floating on the asthenosphere. -These plates float on the asthenosphere. -Plate movement is powered by convection currents in the asthenosphere, seafloor spreading, and the downward pull or a descending plates leading edge. -Continental drift + sea floor spreading; main points: earth's outer layer is divided intolithospheric plates, which float on the asthenosphere; plate movement is powered by convectioncurrents in the asthenosphere, sea floor spreading, and downward pull of a descending plate'sleading edge; causes mid ocean ridges and terrains, volcanoes, sediment in ocean is younger thanit should be
Thermostatic properties Thermostatic inertia
Thermostatic properties - those properties of water that act to moderate changes in temperature Thermostatic inertia - the tendency of a substance to resist change in temperature with the gain or loss of heat energy
Eastern boundary currents
These currents are cold, shallow and broad, and their boundaries are not well defined. • the Canary Current • the Benguela Current • the California Current • the West Australian Current • the Peru Current
What terms do we use to describe lithospheric plates crashing into one another, sliding past one another or pulling apart from each other? What geological features are formed through these interactions? Think about the different combinations of continental and oceanic lithosphere and how this impacts the outcome. Where are these things happening today?***
These terms are divergent plate boundaries, convergent plate boundaries, and transform plate boundaries. Divergent creates rift valleys or the mid atlantic ridge. Occurring at rift valley in east Africa. Convergent creates mountain ranges by pushing crust up. Occurring on the west coast of South America. Oceanic crust toward oceanic crust - occurring in the northern Pacific Continental crust toward continental crust - one example is the Himalayas Transform boundaries slide past each other, creating massive earthquakes and moving land. Happening at the San Andreas Fault in California.
Besides the gyres, what other type of currents are common in the ocean?
Transverse currents are currents that flow from east to west and west to east, linking the eastern and western boundary currents. Countercurrents are currents that flow on the surface in the opposite direction from the main current. They can also exist beneath surface currents.
How are geologic features like trenches, mountains and volcanoes formed at plate boundaries?
Trenches are formed by divergent boundaries which cause splitting and rifting. Mountains are formed are caused by plates pushing together. Volcanoes are formed by plates moving over a hot spot.
What is coastal upwelling? Coastal downwelling?***
Upwelling: is the upward motion of water that brings cold, nutrient rich water toward the surface. - Coastal upwelling occurs when the surface water is replaced by water rising along the shore. Downwelling: is the downward motion of water that supplies the deep ocean with dissolved gases. - Coastal downwelling is when water driven towards a coastline is forced downward, returning seaward along a coastal shelf.
What happens when lithospheric plates collide into one another? (Continental plate vs. Continental plate)
When this occurs, buckling or transformation happens. IMPROVE ANSWER
What happens when lithospheric plates collide into one another? (50 Ma oceanic plate vs. 100 Ma oceanic plate) (Ma means millions of years old)
When this occurs, it creates a subduction zone or trench. The older/cooler plate subducts (100 Ma).
What happens when lithospheric plates collide into one another? (Oceanic plate vs. Continental plate)
When this occurs, subduction happens and the oceanic crust slides under the continental plate.
upwelling
Wind induced vertical circulation is vertical movement induced by wind-driven horizontal movement of water. Upwelling is the upward motion of water. This motion brings cold, nutrient rich water towards the surface. Downwelling is downward motion of water. It supplies the deeper ocean with dissolved gases
What causes floating debris to accumulate near the centers of the gyres? What do we commonly call this effect?***
Winds are light, there is little current flow, usually few islands on which the floating material can beach, so it stays in the gyre.
Heat Capacity, waters?
a measure of the heat required to raise the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1°C. Water has a very high heat capacity, which means it resists changing temperature when heat is added or removed. 1 cal/g/C is water
p waves
are bent as they pass through the liquid outer core
S waves
cannot penetrate Earth's liquid core
quito disk buffalo disk
fat skinny
In what ways did Seismographs provide evidence to revitalize continental drift?
found patterns of Earthquakes in certain locations
In what ways did Echo Sounders provide evidence to revitalize continental drift?
found patterns of magnetism (from the poles) in different locations
In what ways did Radiometric Dating provide evidence to revitalize continental drift?
found that oceanic crust was much younger than the ocean itself
What are hydrothermal vents and where does this typically occur? Where do the water and heat come from that feed hydrothermal activity?
hydrothermal vents are vents in the ocean floor that superheated, chemically active water that dissolve minerals and gases and escape upwards through the vents by convection. The water comes from fissures and cracks in the ridge floor until it comes into contact with very hot rocks associated with active seafloor spreading.
Salinity
is the total quantity of dissolved inorganic solids in water
Dens
m/v, g/cm^3
The fuel source of our Sun is
nuclear fusion
The interior of the Earth is kept hot by
radioactive decay
What major technological advancements and discoveries led scientists to reconsider Wegener's theory (hint: what did radiometric dating, seismographs and echo sounders reveal?)
seismographs allowed scientists to discover a worldwide pattern or earthquakes and volcanoes radiometric dating of rocks revealed a surprisingly young oceanic crust echo sounders revealed the shape of the mid atlantic ridge.
Elements heavier than iron were formed by
supernovas
Salinity
the measure of dissolved inorganic solids in water -water can dissolve more than any other
Catastrophism
the thought that Earth is very young, and events described in the Bible are responsible for the appearance of Earth's features.
gas dssolves qiucker in warm or cold water
• Gas dissolves more readily in cold water than it does on warm water
Two Primary factors govern the global circulation of air:
• Uneven solar heating • The Coriolis effect
