OCE 1001 Exam 2
In the figure above, showing a photograph of Crater Lake. Based on the appearance of the surface of the water in the photograph, what Beaufort number most likely reflects wind conditions at the time the photograph was taken? a) 0 b) 1 c) 2 d) 3 e) 4
0
At what latitude(s) on Earth is the speed of rotation the greatest? a) The speed of rotation is the same everywhere on Earth. b) 60 degrees north and south c) 90 degrees north and south d) 0 degrees e) 30 degrees north and south
0 degrees
At what Beaufort number do well-marked streaks of foam begin to form on the ocean surface? a) 1 b) 3 c) 7 d) 10 e) 12
7
The West Wind Drift is an example of which of the following types of currents? a) Eastern Boundary Current b) Equatorial Counter Current c) Northern Boundary Current d) Southern Boundary Current e) Western Boundary Current
Southern Boundary Current
What is an interference pattern? a) The wavelength produced when a new wave is created. b) The wave pattern produced when two or more waves interact c) The wave pattern produced when a new wave is created. d) The wavelength produced when two or more waves interact.
The wave pattern produced when two or more waves interact.
A cold air mass moving into an area occupied by relatively warm air is called a(n) ________. a) warm front b) low pressure system c) high pressure system d) cold front e) occluded front
cold front
What type of plate boundary are most tsunamis associated with? a) transform plate boundaries b) divergent plate boundaries c) convergent plate boundaries
convergent plate boundaries
Downwelling can result from __________. a) converging surface currents b) an ocean current flowing over submerged banks or seamounts c) strong offshore winds d) diverging surface currents e) Ekman transport away from a coast
converging surface currents
Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year? a) at the Tropic of Cancer b) at the equator c) within 10 degrees of the South Pole d) at the Tropic of Capricorn e) within 10 degrees of the North Pole
at the equator
In the Northern Hemisphere, September 23 is known as ________. a) vernal equinox b) winter solstice c) autumnal equinox d) summer solstice
autumnal equinox
The majority of tsunami are caused by underwater ________. a) avalanches b) volcanic eruptions c) fault movement d) meteorite impacts e) turbidity currents
fault movement
The pH scale is a measure of the __________ ion concentration of a solution. a) bicarbonate b) hydroxide c) carbonic acid d) hydrogen e) carbonate
hydrogen
Ocean surface currents transfer about ________ of the total amount of heat from the tropics to the poles. a) two-thirds b) three-fourths c) one-fourth d) one-third e) one-half
one-third
Typically, the United States is influenced more by ________ air masses during the winter and more by ________ air masses during the summer. a) arctic; tropical b) tropical; arctic c) arctic; polar d) polar; tropical e) polar; arctic
polar; tropical
Wave refraction is __________. a) the bouncing back of wave energy b) the overlapping of different wave sets c) the bending of waves d) another name for a seismic sea wave or tsunami e) also known as an internal wave
the bending of waves
Surface waters are pushed away from land and replaced by nutrient-rich bottom water through: a) upwelling b) downwelling c) convergence d) land breezes e) sea breezes
upwelling
Diverging surface waters are areas of ________ and ________ productivity. a) downwelling; high b) downwelling; low c) upwelling; low d) upwelling; high
upwelling; high
The longer the ________, the faster a deep-water wave travels. a) wave frequency b) wavelength c) wave period d) waveform e) wave drift
wavelength
Under which conditions are droughts and wildfires common in Australia? a) under normal conditions b) under Walker Circulation conditions c) under La Niña conditions d) under El Niño conditions
under El Niño conditions
In the open ocean, 1 wave in ________ will be over twice the height of the wave average. a) 23 b) 75 c) 50,000 d) 1,175 e) 300,000
23
Rapidly changing salinity with depth is called the ________. a) pycnocline b) mixed layer c) halocline d) thermocline
halocline
How does air move near the top of a cyclone? a) in the same direction as air in the lower atmosphere b) in the same direction as air in the upper atmosphere c) in the opposite direction to air in the upper atmosphere d) in the opposite direction to air in the lower atmosphere
in the same direction as air in the upper atmosphere
The densest water found in the ocean has what characteristics? a) Cold, fresh, deep b) Warm, fresh, deep c) Cold, salty, and deep d) Cold, salty, shallow e) Warm, salty, shallow
Cold, salty, and deep
Which process in the hydrologic cycle is most effective at increasing ocean salinity on a global scale? a) Melting glaciers b) Precipitation c) Stream runoff d) River discharge e) Evaporation
Evaporation
Water can pile up a short distance above a container's rim due to: a) low surface tension. b) strong covalent bonds. c) low viscosity. d) high viscosity. e) high surface tension.
high surface tension.
What causes water's density to decrease when it freezes? a) ionic bonds b) van der Waals attractions c) hydrogen bonds d) dispersion forces e) covalent bonds
hydrogen bonds
The transfer of water between the atmosphere, the oceans, and the continents is known as the: a) meteorological cycle. b) geologic cycle. c) hydrobiological cycle. d) hydrologic cycle. e) closed cycle.
hydrologic cycle.
Which way does air converge on a cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere? a) in a counterclockwise direction b) in a clockwise direction c) toward the South Pole d) toward the North Pole e) toward the equator
in a clockwise direction
Which way does air converge on a cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere? a) in a clockwise direction b) toward the equator c) toward the North Pole d) in a counterclockwise direction e) toward the South Pole
in a counterclockwise direction
Hydrogen bonds form between neighboring water molecules because of: a) the viscosity of water. b) surface tension. c) electron transfer. d) electron sharing. e) the polarity of water molecules.
the polarity of water molecules.
Which of the following is a layer of rapidly changing temperature? a) Thermocline b) Pycnocline c) Halocline d) Mixed layer
Thermocline
The pH of surface seawater is usually 8.1. That means the water is __________. a) strongly basic (or alkaline) b) slightly acidic c) neither acidic nor basic d) slightly basic (or alkaline) e) strongly acidic
slightly basic (or alkaline)
What is the density of pure water? a) 1.5 g/cm3 b) 3.0 g/cm3 c) 1.0 g/cm3 d) 2.5 g/cm3 e) 2.0 g/cm3
1.0 g/cm3
Based on the graph, what is the approximate period of a deep-water wave with a speed of 20 meters per second? a) 3.5 seconds b) 6.7 seconds c) 10 seconds d) 13 seconds e) 16 seconds
13 seconds
Rogue waves are created along the "Wild Coast" off the southeast coast of ________, where the Agulhas Current flows directly against large Antarctic storm waves. a) Africa b) Antarctica c) China d) South America e) Australia
Africa
Why are anticyclones not generally associated with clouds and rain? a) Air in anticyclones undergoes cooling as the air rises. b) Air in anticyclones undergoes warming as the air rises. c) Air in anticyclones undergoes cooling as the air descends. d) Air in anticyclones undergoes warming as the air descends.
Air in anticyclones undergoes warming as the air descends.
Western intensification causes: a) a steeper slope of surface water in the western section of the gyre as compared to the eastern section of the gyre. b) very swift western boundary currents. c) the center of the gyre to be shift to the west. d) a large volume of water to flow within western boundary currents. e) All the above effects are the result of western intensification.
All the above effects are the result of western intensification.
Which of the following is the only current that completely circumscribes Earth? a) Malvinas b) Antarctic Circumpolar c) Benguela d) South Australian e) South Equatorial
Antarctic Circumpolar
Which of the following is true for downwelling? a) Carries cold water to the deep-sea floor b) Carries nutrients to the deep-sea floor c) Creates high productivity d) Carries dissolved oxygen to the deep-sea floor
Carries dissolved oxygen to the deep-sea floor
Which of the following is the most abundant negatively charged component of seawater? a) Calcium b) Chloride c) Magnesium d) Sodium e) Sulfate
Chloride
The California Current is an example of which of the following types of currents? a) Eastern Boundary Current b) Equatorial Counter Current c) Northern Boundary Current d) Southern Boundary Current e) Western Boundary Current
Eastern Boundary Current
Peru's residents are familiar with ENSO as it brings a warm current that reduces populations of which animal? a) Tuna b) Cod c) Salmon d) Anchovies e) Eels
Eels
What would you expect weather to be like on the eastern coast of Australia if the western coast of South America were experiencing unusually warm, wet weather? a) The eastern coast of Australia would be experiencing unusually warm weather. b) The eastern coast of Australia would be experiencing unusually wet weather. c) The eastern coast of Australia would be experiencing unusually dry weather. d) The eastern coast of Australia would be experiencing unusually cool weather.
The eastern coast of Australia would be experiencing unusually dry weather.
Will Sumatra experience another tsunami like the destructive one of December 2004? a) This is likely, because Sumatra is in the Pacific Ocean. b) This is unlikely, because Sumatra is in the Pacific Ocean. c) This is likely, because Sumatra is near many ocean trenches. d) This is unlikely, because Sumatra is near many ocean trenches.
This is likely, because Sumatra is near many ocean trenches.
________ waves also known as side-to-side waves. a) Longitudinal b) Orbital c) Reflective d) Refractive e) Transverse
Transverse
In which layer of the atmosphere is all weather generated? a) Ozone layer b) Tropopause c) Troposphere d) Stratosphere
Troposphere
What are tropical cyclones called in the western North Pacific Ocean? a) Hurricanes b) Cyclones c) Typhoons d) Anti-Cyclones
Typhoons
The correct order of substances from most acidic to most alkaline is _______, ________, __________. a) seawater, pure water, rainwater b) pure water, rainwater, seawater c) seawater, rainwater, pure water d) rainwater, pure water, seawater e) rainwater, seawater, pure water
rainwater, pure water, seawater
Earth's atmosphere is heated primarily by __________. a) re-radiation of solar energy from Earth's surface back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation b) solar energy interacting with the ionosphere c) conduction of heat from Earth's surface d) latent heat of condensation in storms e) solar energy interacting with the stratosphere
re-radiation of solar energy from Earth's surface back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation
What is the pH of pure water? a) 4 b) 5 c) 6 d) 7 e) 8
7
Why does the wave height of a tsunami increase as the tsunami enters shallow water? a) In shallow water, the wind driving the tsunami must push a smaller water column. b) In shallow water, the wind driving the tsunami must push a larger water column. c) In shallow water, the energy of the tsunami must be contained within a smaller water column. d) In shallow water, the energy of the tsunami must be contained within a larger water column.
In shallow water, the energy of the tsunami must be contained within a smaller water column.
Which of the following water masses has the highest average salinity? a) Antarctic Bottom Water b) Mediterranean Intermediate Water c) Antarctic Intermediate Water d) North Atlantic Deep Water
Mediterranean Intermediate Water
Which of the following is the least frequent cause of a tsunami in recent centuries? a) Volcanic eruptions b) Fault movement c) Landslides d) Meteorite impacts
Meteorite impacts
The area in the enclosed rectangle in the false-color map of sea surface temperatures is an example of which of the following features? a) Cyclones b) Upwelling c) Eddies d) El Nino conditions e) Monsoons
Monsoons
Why do ships at sea tend not to notice tsunamis? a) Tsunamis in deep water have small wave height and short wavelength. b) Tsunamis in deep water have large wave height and long wavelength. c) Tsunamis in deep water have large wave height and short wavelength. d) Tsunamis in deep water have small wave height and long wavelength.
Tsunamis in deep water have small wave height and long wavelength.
What depth does Argo floats collect data? a) 3,000 meters b) 5,000 meters c) 6,000 meters d) 4,000 meters e) Upper 2,000 meters
Upper 2,000 meters
Most ocean waves form as a result of: a) landslides b) seismic events. c) density differences between water layers. d) Earth's rotation. e) winds blowing across the ocean surface.
winds blowing across the ocean surface.
Waves from separate sea areas move away as swell and produce an interference pattern when they come together. If Sea A and Sea B have wave heights of 3 meters, what would be the height of waves resulting from destructive interference? a) 3 meters b) 1 meter c) 9 meters d) 6 meters e) 0 meters
0 meters
In the open ocean, 1 wave in ________ will be three times as high as the height of the wave average. a) 300,000 b) 23 c) 1,175 d) 50,000 e) 75
1,175
You live on an island in the Pacific. An earthquake of magnitude 8.5 off the coast of Japan, 8000 km away, generates a tsunami with a wavelength of 200 km. The average water depth between your island and Japan is 4900 m. If a tsunami warning is issued for your island, how many hours will you have before the waves arrive? a) 8.51 hours b) 10.14 hours c) 12.34 hours d) 6.87 hours e) 7.40 hours
12.34 hours
What is the speed in meters per second of a deep water wave with a wavelength of 3.5 meters? a) 5.46 meters per second b) 2.92 meters per second c) 2.34 meters per second d) 4.23 meters per second e) 1.5 meters per second
2.34 meters per second
At what Beaufort number do whitecaps begin forming? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4 e) 5
3
Waves from separate sea areas move away as swell and produce an interference pattern when they come together. If Sea A has wave heights of 2 meters and Sea B has wave heights of 5 meters, what would be the height of waves resulting from destructive interference? a) 6 meters b) 15 meters c) 2 meters d) 7 meters e) 3 meters
3 meters
The prevailing westerlies occur in which of the following regions? a) Equatorial (0 to 5 degrees) b) 5 to 30 degrees c) 30 degrees d) 30 to 60 degrees e) 60 degrees f) 60 to 90 degrees g) Poles (90 degrees)
30 to 60 degrees
In which direction does the surface current move in relation to the wind in the Southern Hemisphere? a) 45 degrees to the left b) 90 degrees to the right c) 90 degrees to the left d) 45 degrees to the right e) in the same direction
45 degrees to the left
Using the T-S diagram shown above, if a water mass has a density of 1.0280 g/cm3 and a salinity of 35.3 ppt, what is its temperature? a) 5 degrees Celsius b) 34.7 degrees Celsius c) -2 degrees Celsius d) 0 degrees Celsius e) 10 degrees Celsius
5 degrees Celsius
Waves from separate sea areas move away as swell and produce an interference pattern when they come together. If Sea A has wave heights of 1.5 meters and Sea B has wave heights of 3.5 meters, what would be the height of waves resulting from constructive interference? a) 1.5 meters b) 5.25 meters c) 5 meters d) 3.5 meters e) 6 meters
5 meters
At what Beaufort number does the sea surface begin to roll? a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 9 e) 12
9
What percentage of an icebergs mass is below the waterline? a) 50% b) 60% c) 80% d) 70% e) 90%
90%
Which of the following will cause the lowest air pressure at the surface? a) A column of warm, less dense air b) A column of warm, dense air c) A column of cool, less dense air d) A column of cool, dense air
A column of warm, less dense air
What results when two waves, in phase and with the same wavelength, interact? a) A wave with an amplitude that is the sum of the amplitudes of the initial two waves. b) A wave with an amplitude that is the larger of the amplitudes of the initial two waves. c) A wave with an amplitude that is the difference between the amplitudes of the initial two waves. d) A wave with an amplitude that is the multiplication of the amplitudes of the initial two waves.
A wave with an amplitude that is the sum of the amplitudes of the initial two waves.
Look again at the map. Bear in mind that all the earthquake locations that are not inland are on a convergent plate boundary (subduction zone). Which of these statements is true? a) Only locations 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, and 15 would produce tsunamis, because they are the only locations that are not adjacent to a continent. b) Only location 9 could produce a tsunami, because it is the result of a continent-continent collision, which produces the largest earthquakes. c) All of the locations except 9 could produce tsunamis, because all are subduction zones involving at least one oceanic plate. d) None of the locations would produce a tsunami, because none are in the middle of an ocean.
All of the locations except 9 could produce tsunamis, because all are subduction zones involving at least one oceanic plate.
In locations where North Atlantic Deep Water, Antarctic Bottom Water, and Antarctic Intermediate Water are all found, how would they be arranged vertically in the water column? a) Antarctic Bottom Water would be on the bottom, Antarctic Intermediate Water would be in the middle, and North Atlantic Deep Water would be on the top. b) North Atlantic Deep Water would be on the bottom, Antarctic Bottom Water would be in the middle, and Antarctic Intermediate Water would be on the top. c) Antarctic Bottom Water would be on the bottom, North Atlantic Deep Water would be in the middle, and Antarctic Intermediate Water would be on the top. d) North Atlantic Deep Water would be on the bottom, Antarctic Intermediate Water would be in the middle, and Antarctic Bottom Water would be on the top. e) The three water masses would mix and the density of the resulting water would be an average of the three.
Antarctic Bottom Water would be on the bottom, North Atlantic Deep Water would be in the middle, and Antarctic Intermediate Water would be on the top.
Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: The circular orbit of wave motion returns the floating object to its exact original position BECAUSE the half orbit in the trough is at the same velocity as the crest half of the orbit. a) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid. b) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid. c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect. d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct. e) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
Which of the following currents contributes to the South Western United States being arid? a) California Current b) Brazil Current c) North Pacific Current d) North Equatorial Current e) Canary Current
California Current
Water with which of the following characteristics would be the densest? a) Cold water with high salinity would be the densest. b) Warm water with high salinity would be the densest. c) Cold water with low salinity would be the densest. d) Warm water with low salinity would be the densest.
Cold water with high salinity would be the densest.
Which conditions in the ocean promote high productivity? a) Cold water, rich nutrients b) Warm water, poor nutrients c) Warm water, rich nutrients d) Cold water, poor nutrients
Cold water, rich nutrients
What shape is formed by a parcel of water when a wave passes through it? a) a wavy line b) a triangle c) a circle d) a rectangle e) a straight line
a circle
What does DART stand for? a) Deep-ocean Assignment and Reporting of Tsunamis b) Deep-ocean Assignment and Reposting of Tsunamis c) Deep ocean Assessment and Reposting of Tsunamis d) Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis
Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis
Why do the lengths of the arrows in the Ekman spiral get shorter and shorter as you move deeper into the water column? a) There is less water in each progressive layer. b) The Coriolis effect weakens as depth increases. c) Deeper water moves at a slower speed due to friction. d) The temperature gets colder with depth. e) There is less light transmission with increased depth.
Deeper water moves at a slower speed due to friction.
Which method would be most appropriate for directly measuring the flow rate of the Gulf Stream? a) Radioactive tracers b) Doppler flow meter c) Radar altimeter d) Drift bottles e) Argo floats
Drift bottles
A tropical cyclone with a wind speed of 220 km/hr. would be classified as Category ________ on the Saffir-Simpson Scale of hurricane intensity. a) one b) two c) three d) four e) five
Four
The prevailing westerly winds blow in which of the following directions in the Southern Hemisphere? a) From northeast to southwest b) From northwest to southeast c) From southeast to northwest d) From southwest to northeast
From northwest to southeast
The world's two main iceberg-producing regions are ________. a) Greenland and Asia b) Iceland and North America c) North America and Asia d) Iceland and Greenland e) Greenland and Antarctica
Greenland and Antarctica
Which of the following currents contributes to the South Eastern United States being humid? a) Gulf Stream b) North Atlantic Current c) California Current d) North Equatorial Current e) Brazil Current
Gulf Stream
When Laura illustrated the motion of the rubber duck in a swimming pool, what happened to the first duck? a) It lit up. b) It fell over. c) It moved along with the wave and hit the side of the pool. d) It sank. e) A hawk swooped down and grabbed it.
It fell over.
What is the Walker Circulation Cell? a) It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the South Atlantic under normal conditions. b) It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the South Pacific under El Niño conditions. c) It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the South Atlantic under El Niño conditions. d) It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the North Pacific under normal conditions. e) It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the South Pacific under normal conditions.
It is the path that air takes as it moves from high to low pressure, and back to high pressure, in the South Pacific under normal conditions.
Which swift-flowing surface current in a major subtropical gyre transports a large volume of warm water from the equator toward the mid-latitudes? a) Kuroshio Current b) Benguela Current c) West Australian Current d) North Equatorial Current e) California Current
Kuroshio Current
At which latitude on the Earth is the speed of Earth's rotation the slowest? a) 30 degrees N and S b) Equator c) North and South poles d) 60 degrees N and S
North and South poles
Which wind belt curves to the right due to the Coriolis effect and blow from northeast to southwest? a) Prevailing westerly wind belts b) Southeast trade winds c) Northeast trade winds d) Polar easterly wind belts
Northeast trade winds
The North Atlantic Current is an example of which of the following types of currents? a) Eastern Boundary Current b) Equatorial Counter Current c) Northern Boundary Current d) Southern Boundary Current e) Western Boundary Current
Northern Boundary Current
Which ocean is associated with most tsunamis? a) Indian Ocean b) Atlantic Ocean c) Arctic Ocean d) Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Which type of breaker has a curling crest that moves over an air pocket? a) Plunging breaker b) Spilling breaker c) Standing breaker d) Surging breaker e) Swelling breaker
Plunging breaker
Based on the characteristics, what is the name of the wind belt being described as cold, dry winds generally from the east? a) Polar easterlies b) Trade winds c) Prevailing winds d) None of the above
Polar easterlies
A boundary or belt characterized by cold deserts occurs in which of the following regions? a) Equatorial (0 to 5 degrees) b) 5 to 30 degrees c) 30 degrees d) 30 to 60 degrees e) 60 degrees f) 60 to 90 degrees g) Poles (90 degrees)
Poles (90 degrees)
Polar high pressure occurs in which of the following regions? a) Equatorial (0 to 5 degrees) b) 5 to 30 degrees c) 30 degrees d) 30 to 60 degrees e) 60 degrees f) 60 to 60 degrees g) Poles(90 degrees)
Poles(90 degrees)
Which of the following is a direct method for measuring surface currents? a) Radio altimeters b) Pressure gradients c) Propeller flow meter d) Dynamic topography maps
Propeller flow meter
Which of the following methods are used to measure ocean surface currents directly? a) Radar altimeters b) Anchored buoys c) Doppler flow meters d) Radio-transmitting float bottles e) Pressure gradients
Radio-transmitting float bottles
Which of the following best describes how scientists help the public prepare for an earthquake event? a) Scientists can predict when earthquakes will happen and alert the public because there are many precursors and signs that an earthquake is about to occur. b) Scientists have no idea what areas might experience earthquakes in the future, so there is no way to help the public prepare. c) Scientists cannot predict when exactly an earthquake will occur, but they can identify tectonically active areas that are likely to produce earthquake activity and let the public know they are in an earthquake-prone area.
Scientists cannot predict when exactly an earthquake will occur, but they can identify tectonically active areas that are likely to produce earthquake activity and let the public know they are in an earthquake-prone area.
The deepest and densest water mass in the world ocean is formed in the __________________. a) Southern Ocean b) North Atlantic c) Indian Ocean d) Arctic Ocean e) North Pacific
Southern Ocean
Which of the following is responsible for 90% of the deaths associated with hurricanes? a) Fflooding b) Fallen trees c) Storm surge d) Landslides e) Strong winds
Storm surge
The observation of a hill of water within all subtropical gyres is an example of which of the following? a) Eastern intensification b) Equatorial upwelling c) Geostrophic current d) Subtropical convergence e) Western intensification
Subtropical convergence
Which type of breaker forms when the ocean bottom has an abrupt slope? a) Plunging breaker b) Spilling breaker c) Standing breaker d) Surging breaker e) Swelling breaker
Surging breaker
How does the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) change over time? a) The ITCZ migrates north of the equator in winter and south of the equator in summer. b) The ITCZ migrates north of the equator in Northern Hemisphere winter and south of the equator in Northern Hemisphere summer. c) The ITCZ migrates south of the equator in winter and north of the equator in summer. d) The ITCZ migrates south of the equator in Northern Hemisphere winter and north of the equator in Northern Hemisphere summer.
The ITCZ migrates south of the equator in Northern Hemisphere winter and north of the equator in Northern Hemisphere summer.
Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: Ocean waves are not considered body waves BECAUSE they transmit energy through the upper part of the ocean near the interface between the atmosphere and the ocean. a) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid. b) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid. c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect. d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct. e) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: The same waves break against both headlands and in nearby bays, but their energy is different BECAUSE wave reflection causes the distribution of wave energy to change between them. a) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid. b) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid. c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect. d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct. e) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
What is the relationship between wave base and wavelength? a) The depth of the wave base is two-thirds the wavelength of the waves. b) The depth of the wave base is one-half the wavelength of the waves. c) The depth of the wave base is one-and-a-half times the wavelength of the waves. d) The depth of the wave base is three-quarters of the wavelength of the waves. e) The depth of the wave base is twice the wavelength of the waves.
The depth of the wave base is one-half the wavelength of the waves.
Why does wave height increase as waves enter shallow water? a) The wavelength of the wave must be contained within a smaller water column in shallow water. b) The energy of the wave must be contained within a larger water column in shallow water. c) The energy of the wave must be contained within a smaller water column in shallow water. d) The wavelength of the wave must be contained within a larger water column in shallow water.
The energy of the wave must be contained within a smaller water column in shallow water.
What causes wave refraction? a) The part of a wave in shallow water slows down, causing the wave to bend and line up nearly parallel to the shore. b) Water piles up against a beach and then flows offshore against incoming waves. c) A wave strikes a shallowly submerged underwater object. d) Offshore sand bars that cause waves to break offshore. e) Winds that blow for a long time offshore create an area where waves are generated.
The part of a wave in shallow water slows down, causing the wave to bend and line up nearly parallel to the shore.
In a severe warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), fisheries' productivity on the west coasts of the Americas is dramatically reduced. Which stage of ENSO would come just before the fisheries' collapse? a) The pressure gradient in the Walker Circulation Cell weakens. b) Coral reefs in the equatorial Pacific show signs of damage in response to increasing water temperature. c) The southeast trade winds diminish and may even reverse. d) Sea level increases in the eastern Pacific Ocean. e) The thermocline deepens in eastern boundary currents of the Pacific Ocean subtropical gyres.
The thermocline deepens in eastern boundary currents of the Pacific Ocean subtropical gyres.
What triggers a wave traveling across the ocean to finally release its energy? a) Waves get deeper as they progress across the ocean, until they can no longer contain their energy. b) Waves continually pick up speed as they rush into the surf zone and break. c) Breaking waves are formed when storm fronts produce wind energy out in the open ocean. d) The wave begins to interact with the sea floor as it moves into shallower water. e) Increases in wind speed push the wave into the surf zone.
The wave begins to interact with the sea floor as it moves into shallower water.
Why do ocean waves bend around headlands? a) The waves have shorter wavelength just in front of the headland, causing the waves to bend. b) The waves have longer wavelength just in front of the headland, causing the waves to bend. c) The waves are moving faster just in front of the headland, causing the waves to bend. d) The waves are moving more slowly just in front of the headland, causing the waves to bend.
The waves are moving more slowly just in front of the headland, causing the waves to bend.
Which of the following is true of surface water circulation near Antarctica? a) Two circumpolar currents dominate it, one current that moves water to the east and one current that moves water to the west. b) The circulation of water around the Antarctic continent is driven by density differences. c) There is no connection with the southern hemisphere subtropical gyres. d) The surface ocean has no strong currents. e) It is dominated by water flow directly away from the polar region toward the north.
Two circumpolar currents dominate it, one current that moves water to the east and one current that moves water to the west.
How does water move as waves pass? a) Water moves in a circle in the same direction as wave movement. b) Water moves linearly in the opposite direction to wave movement. c) Water moves linearly in the same direction as wave movement. d) Water moves in a circle in the direction opposite to wave movement.
Water moves in a circle in the same direction as wave movement.
How does wave amplitude change with depth in water? a) Wave amplitude remains the same as depth increases. b) Wave amplitude increases as depth increases. c) Wave amplitude decreases as depth increases.
Wave amplitude decreases as depth increases.
Which of the following statements about wave period is most accurate? a) Wave period is the inverse of wavelength. b) Wave period is the inverse of wave height. c) Wave period is the inverse of wave amplitude. d) Wave period is the inverse of wave frequency.
Wave period is the inverse of wave frequency.
How does wave refraction at headlands affect deposition and erosion? a) Wave refraction at the headland increases deposition at the headland and causes erosion in adjacent bays. b) Wave refraction at the headland decreases deposition at the headland and causes erosion in adjacent bays. c) Wave refraction at the headland decreases erosion at the headland and causes deposition in adjacent bays. d) Wave refraction at the headland increases erosion at the headland and causes deposition in adjacent bays.
Wave refraction at the headland increases erosion at the headland and causes deposition in adjacent bays.
What does the term "in phase" refer to? a) Waves in phase have identical wavelengths and are aligned peak-to-trough and trough-to-peak b) Waves in phase have different wavelengths and are aligned peak-to-trough and trough-to-peak c) Waves in phase have different wavelengths and are aligned peak-to-peak and trough-to-trough d) Waves in phase have identical wavelengths and are aligned peak-to-peak and trough-to-trough
Waves in phase have identical wavelengths and are aligned peak-to-peak and trough-to-trough
How are wave period and wavelength related? a) Waves with shorter periods have longer wavelengths. b) Waves with longer periods have shorter wavelengths. c) Waves with shorter periods have shorter wavelengths.
Waves with shorter periods have shorter wavelengths.
Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern. a) Westerlies b) Vernal equinox c) Summer solstice d) Ecliptic e) Autumnal equinox
Westerlies
The Agulhas Current is an example of which of the following types of currents? a) Eastern Boundary Current b) Equatorial Counter Current c) Northern Boundary Current d) Southern Boundary Current e) Western Boundary Current
Western Boundary Current
When will perfect destructive interference occur? a) When two waves that have low amplitude interfere. b) When two waves that have long wavelength interfere. c) When two waves that are 180 degrees out-of-phase interfere. d) When two waves that are in-phase interfere.
When two waves that are 180 degrees out-of-phase interfere.
When will perfect constructive interference occur for waves that are in phase and moving at the same velocity? a) When waves with large amplitudes interfere. b) When waves with identical amplitudes interfere. c) When waves with identical wavelengths interfere. d) When waves with short wavelengths interfere.
When waves with identical wavelengths interfere.
In the figure above, if this is a western-facing coast of the Northern Hemisphere, which wind pattern would cause coastal downwelling? a) Wind A b) Wind B c) Wind C d) Wind D e) All wind patterns would cause coastal downwelling.
Wind C
In the figure above, if this is a western-facing coast of the Southern Hemisphere, which wind pattern would cause coastal upwelling? a) Wind A b) Wind B c) Wind C d) Wind D e) All four wind patterns would cause coastal upwelling.
Wind C
Which of the following generates most ocean waves? a) Passing ships at the surface b) Large objects falling into the ocean c) The movement of different air masses d) Tidal movement and turbidity currents e) Wind blowing across the surface
Wind blowing across the surface
Why does upwelling occur along the west coast of South America under normal conditions? a) Winds moving westward in the South Pacific drive ocean currents toward the west; deep water rises to replace water driven westward. b) Winds moving northward in the South Pacific drive ocean currents toward the north; deep water rises to replace water driven northward. c) Winds moving eastward in the South Pacific drive ocean currents toward the east; deep water rises to replace water driven eastward. d) Winds moving southward in the South Pacific drive ocean currents toward the south; deep water rises to replace water driven southward.
Winds moving westward in the South Pacific drive ocean currents toward the west; deep water rises to replace water driven westward.
What caused the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004? a) a large landslide off the coast of Bali b) a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in the Java Trench c) an undersea eruption off the coast of Sri Lanka d) a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the nearby Himalayas e) a 7.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Madagascar
a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in the Java Trench
What is a tsunami? a) a series of water waves that travel away from a fault in all directions at high speed b) a series of water waves that travel toward a fault in all directions at high speed c) a series of water waves that travel away from a fault in all directions at low speed d) a series of water waves that travel toward a fault in all directions at low speed
a series of water waves that travel away from a fault in all directions at high speed
The thermocline is _________________. a) a steep temperature gradient in the ocean that separates deeper cold water from warmer upper water b) a steep gradient in the ocean that separates deeper less salty water from saltier upper water. c) a steep gradient in the ocean that separates deeper saltier water from less salty upper water d) a steep temperature gradient in the ocean that separates deeper warm water from colder upper water
a steep temperature gradient in the ocean that separates deeper cold water from warmer upper water
On a west coast in the Northern Hemisphere, what happens to surface waters when winds blow from the north? Choose all that apply. a) Upwelling occurs. b) Surface waters move offshore. c) Surface waters move onshore. d) Downwelling occurs. e) Surface waters move southward, causing a strong coastal current.
a, b
Of the following conditions, which is/are related to strong El Niño events? Choose all that apply. a) Increased abundance of hurricanes in the eastern Pacific Ocean b) Increase in sea-surface temperatures and destruction of coral reefs in the eastern Pacific Ocean c) Higher sea levels in the eastern Pacific Ocean associated with warmer water d) Increase in the strength and consistency of the trade winds e) Increase in primary productivity along coastal South America
a, b, c
What can cause a tsunami? a) an undersea earthquake b) an undersea landslide c) an extreme spring tide d) an undersea volcanic eruption e) a meteor impact on the ocean
a, b, d, e
Which of the following are names for large ocean waves that can be created by constructive interference? a) Freak waves b) Superwaves c) Shipwrecker waves d) Havoc waves e) Rogue waves
a, b, e
What factor(s) drive(s) Ekman transport? Choose all that apply. a) water salinity b) boat movement c) Coriolis effect d) wind e) water temperature
a, c
Surface ocean currents ___. Choose all that apply. a) are driven by winds b) transfer large amounts of heat from the high latitudes toward the equator c) form large rotating gyres in the major ocean basins d) are influenced by Coriolis effect
a, c, d
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the Coriolis effect? Choose all that apply. a) In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes an object to be deflected to the left of its intended direction. b) The Coriolis effect is maximized near the equator. c) The Coriolis effect influences the speed of a moving object. d) In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes an object to be deflected to the right of its intended direction. e) The Coriolis effect is absent at the poles.
a, d
Of the following locations, where would upwelling be expected to occur? Choose all that apply. a) In areas of diverging surface currents b) In areas of converging surface currents c) In regions with a well-developed pycnocline d) Where there is a sharp bend in a coastline e) Where seamounts or tablemounts are present
a, d, e
Which of the following objects would appear to bob up and down with the waves in the ocean? Choose all that apply. a) a surfer b) a warning sign tightly anchored to the sea floor c) a person standing in shallow water d) a plastic bottle e) a bird
a, d, e
On a west coast in the Northern Hemisphere, what happens to surface waters when winds blow from the south? Choose all that apply. a) Downwelling occurs. b) Surface waters move northward, causing a strong coastal current. c) Surface waters move offshore. d) Upwelling occurs. e) Surface waters move onshore.
a, e
Why does the west coast of South Africa have high biological productivity? Choose all that apply. a) high concentrations of nutrients in the surface water b) winds blowing away from shore c) low concentrations of phytoplankton d) lots of coastal downwelling e) lots of coastal upwelling
a, e
The percentage of solar radiation reflected from the surface of Earth back into space is known as the __________. a) ecliptic b) albedo c) declination d) equinox e) solar footprint
albedo
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding subtropical convergence? a) Subtropical convergence is caused by the clockwise rotation of each gyre in the northern hemisphere. b) Subtropical convergence is caused by the clockwise rotation of each gyre in the southern hemisphere. c) Subtropical convergence causes a bulge of surface water that can be as high as 2 meters. d) Subtropical convergence produces a hill of piled up water in the center of each gyre in the northern hemisphere that is deflected towards the west. e) Subtropical convergence produces a hill of piled up water in the center of each gyre in the southern hemisphere that is deflected towards the east.
all of these
Warm ocean currents ___. a) are warmer than 15 degrees Celsius b) are warmer than the surrounding water c) generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator d) generally flow along the west coasts of continents
are warmer than the surrounding water
Which areas of Earth experience the most precipitation? a) areas near the polar front b) areas near the ITCZ c) areas near the subtropical highs
areas near the ITCZ
You are enjoying time at the beach on a warm summer day. It is late afternoon, and a breeze has started to develop. For most of the day, the winds were calm; the breeze only started within the past hour or so. Based on these details, what can you say about this breeze? Select all of the options that apply to this scenario. a) Land was warmed by the Sun all day. Now that it's afternoon, the air over the ocean will begin to cool, drawing air from land. b) The breeze is most likely a warm breeze coming from the nearby area of land. c) Warm land has now sufficiently heated the overlying air, so that cooler air over the ocean is now moving onshore as a sea breeze. d) The breeze is most likely a cool breeze coming from the water.
b, c
Which of the following statements is/are true concerning waves? Choose all that apply. a) Molecules of water move in a wave motion from one place to another in the opposite direction that the wave is traveling. b) A floating object on a wave will move up and back, up and forward, down and forward, and down and backward, ending up in the same place it started. c) Waves are orbital. d) Waves can travel long distances across the ocean. e) Molecules of water move in a wave motion from one place to another in the same direction that the wave is traveling.
b, c, d
Actual geostrophic flow is created by which of the following? Choose all that apply. a) differences in surface ocean temperature b) Coriolis effect c) friction d) differences in surface ocean salinity e) gravity
b, c, e
Which of the following are true of western boundary currents? Choose all that apply. a) wide, as compared to eastern boundary currents b) fast, as compared to eastern boundary currents c) they flow along the more gradual slope of the hill of water d) deep, as compared to eastern boundary currents e) weak, as compared to eastern boundary currents
b, d
Which of the following are true of eastern boundary currents? Choose all that apply. a) deep, as compared to western boundary currents b) weak, as compared to western boundary currents c) fast, as compared to western boundary currents d) wide, as compared to western boundary currents e) they flow along the more gradual slope of the hill of water
b, d, e
Of the following gyres, which one(s) flow in a counterclockwise direction? Choose all that apply. a) North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre b) South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre c) North Pacific Subtropical Gyre d) Northern Hemisphere Subpolar Gyres e) Indian Ocean Subtropical Gyre f) South Pacific Subtropical Gyre
b, d, e, f
Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: Board surfers tend to avoid plunging breakers BECAUSE they break right at the shoreline. a) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid. b) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid. c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect. d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct. e) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
both the assertion and the reason are incorrect
Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: The main cause of rogue waves is theorized to be an extraordinary case of destructive wave interference BECAUSE rogue waves are the suspected cause of many of the approximately 1,000 sinkings that occur each year. a) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid. b) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid. c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect. d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct. e) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.
both the assertion and the reason are incorrect
What is a tsunami? a) a shallow-water wave caused by displacement of the water column b) a deep-water wave that is caused by an undersea earthquake c) a seismic sea wave d) a wave that is larger than expected due to constructive interference e) a tidal wave
c
Of the following methods, which are indirect methods for measuring currents? Choose all that apply. a) Propeller flow meter b) Radio-transmitting float c) Dynamic topography d) Doppler flow meter e) Pressure gradients
c, d, e
Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so deadly? Choose all that apply. a) Wave heights exceeded 200 meters (656 feet). b) The largest crest of the wave arrived first. c) People did not recognize the signs of an approaching tsunami. d) People did not immediately evacuate following the offshore earthquake. e) Indian Ocean tsunami are relatively rare.
c, d, e
Imagine an earthquake is about to occur at location 2 on the map (southern Alaska). Which of the following statements is most accurate? Choose all that apply. a) Only location 2 could benefit from an alert so people can evacuate before the earthquake occurs. b) There are no locations on the map that could benefit from an alert that an earthquake at location 2 occurred, because they won't feel any of the effects. c) All locations (except 9) could benefit from an alert that an earthquake occurred at location 2, because they are near the ocean and might experience a resultant tsunami. d) Location 2 is not in the middle of the ocean and therefore will not produce a tsunami, so none of the locations need to be notified of the earthquake. e) Most of the people living at location 2 probably are aware that they live in a location where earthquakes are likely.
c, e
In which direction must the merry-go-round be pushed to simulate the Coriolis effect on Earth? a) clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere b) counterclockwise c) clockwise d) back and forth e) clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
counterclockwise
Deep ocean currents are driven primarily by ________ . a) density differences b) wind c) bathymetry d) Earth's rotation e) latitude
density differences
Which way does air move in an anticyclone in the Northern Hemisphere? a) up, and in a clockwise direction b) down, and in a clockwise direction c) down, and in a counterclockwise direction d) up, and in a counterclockwise direction
down, and in a clockwise direction
Which way does air move in an anticyclone in the Southern Hemisphere? a) down, and in a clockwise direction b) down, and in a counterclockwise direction c) up, and in a clockwise direction d) up, and in a counterclockwise direction
down, and in a counterclockwise direction
When would you expect the low-pressure cell over the North Pole to be most developed? a) during the Northern Hemisphere summer b) during the Northern Hemisphere fall c) during the Northern Hemisphere spring d) during the Northern Hemisphere winter
during the Northern Hemisphere winter
Equatorial currents that are part of the subtropical gyres flow ___. Equatorial counter currents between the gyres flow ___ . a) east to west; west to east b) west to east; east to west c) west to east; west to east d) east to west; east to west
east to west; west to east
Which direction do ocean currents in the South Pacific move under El Niño conditions? a) westward b) northward c) southward d) eastward
eastward
During winter months, monsoon winds over the Indian Ocean ________. a) flow from sea to land and are dry b) flow from land to sea and are dry c) flow from land to sea and are wet d) flow from sea to land and are wet e) The direction of airflow is unchanged but precipitation increases.
flow from land to sea and are dry
Which of the following best describes a plunging breaker? a) forms on moderately sloped shorelines to create curling crests b) occurs on steep slopes and releases all of its energy quickly on the shoreline c) releases its energy slowly over a long distance of the sea floor d) forms in the deep ocean and releases its energy before reaching the shoreline e) releases its energy progressively from one end to the other
forms on moderately sloped shorelines to create curling crests
What type of force is the Coriolis effect? a) frictional b) fictitious c) accelerating d) gravitational e) tensional
frictional
Cool ocean currents ___. a) are still warmer than the surrounding water b) are cooler than 15 degrees C c) generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator d) generally flow along the east coasts of continents
generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator
Which type of current flow moves in a circular path around a subtropical convergence, reflecting Ekman transport, gravity, and the Coriolis effect? a) counter-current circulation b) density-driven circulation c) thermohaline circulation d) geostrophic circulation e) Langmuir circulation
geostrophic circulation
What drives Hadley cell circulation? a) pressure from air systems b) heating from the Sun c) pressure from wind patterns d) heating from volcanism
heating from the Sun
Where are Hadley cells found? a) in the atmosphere near the equator b) in the atmosphere near the poles c) in the water near the equator d) in the water near the poles
in the atmosphere near the equator
Tidal movement, turbidity currents, wind stress, and even passing ships at the surface create ________ waves. a) ocean b) internal c) tidal d) splash e) turbidity
internal
Deep-water currents move ________ volumes of water and are much ________ than surface currents. a) larger; slower b) smaller; slower c) smaller; faster d) larger; faster
larger; slower
Surface ocean currents are driven primarily by ________ and modified by ________. a) wind; gravity and density b) density differences; the Coriolis effect and land c) latitude; differences in salinity and land d) wind; the Coriolis effect and land e) density differences; differences in salinity and temperature
latitude; differences in salinity and land
What is the overall effect of the stronger than normal trade winds typical of La Niña conditions? a) flipping of the South Pacific ocean current direction from normal conditions b) swapping of the South Pacific high and low pressure zones from normal conditions c) lowering of the South Pacific ocean temperature from normal conditions d) raising of the South Pacific ocean temperature from normal conditions
lowering of the South Pacific ocean temperature from normal conditions
What occurs more often, pure destructive, pure constructive, or mixed interference? a) Pure constructive interference b) Mixed interference c) Pure destructive interference
mixed interference
What is a typical tsunami wavelength? a) 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) b) 0.2 kilometers (0.1 mile) c) 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) d) more than 200 kilometers (124.3 miles) e) 0.02 kilometers (0.01 mile)
more than 200 kilometers (124.3 miles)
Most of the year, and most of the time, the movement of sediment and water (longshore current) along the California coast is from __________. a) east to west b) west to east c) north to south d) south to north
north to south
The subtropical gyres ___. a) are only important because the currents affect ships crossing them b) drive the trade winds c) result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content) d) play a large role in climate
play a large role in climate
A person experiences a popping feeling in their ears during the takeoff or landing of an airplane or while driving on steep mountain roads due to changes in the ________ of the atmosphere. a) density b) movement c) temperature d) pressure e) water vapor content
pressure
Deep ocean currents ___. a) result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content) b) include deep water that rises in the North Atlantic and surface water that sinks in the Pacific and Indian Oceans c) are primarily driven by wind patterns
result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content)
Air warmed by the land that rises and is replaced by cooler air from the ocean may produce a: a) typhoon b) land breeze. c) tropical cyclone. d) cold front. e) sea breeze.
sea breeze.
Records indicate that the ocean is warming faster in the Arctic polar regions than elsewhere. If that continues, a possible consequence could be __________. a) decreased humidity and precipitation in the Arctic region, resulting in aridity and the loss of boreal forests b) acceleration of deep-ocean circulation, resulting in lower carbon dioxide levels in deep water c) an increase in upwelling in the Arctic, resulting in increased surface biological productivity d) slowing of deep-ocean circulation, resulting in lower oxygen levels in deep water e) increased albedo in the polar areas, resulting in the cooling of nearby landmasses
slowing of deep-ocean circulation, resulting in lower oxygen levels in deep water
If a surfer wishes to have a really long ride, what type of wave should he or she look for? a) gravity waves b) spilling breakers c) swells d) surf e) plunging breakers
spilling breakers
The largest loss of life from a hurricane is usually due to: a) storm surge. b) intense precipitation. c) low atmospheric pressure. d) high winds. e) none of the above.
storm surge
What disturbing force is responsible for most ocean waves that eventually break on shore? a) storm-generated winds that blow across the surface b) tectonic movements generated from inside Earth c) gravitational attraction of the Moon d) massive migrations of marine animals rising to the surface e) impact of precipitation hitting the surface during strong storms
storm-generated winds that blow across the surface
The Sun reaches its most northerly point in the sky, directly overhead along the Tropic of Cancer, during the: a) autumnal equinox. b) ecliptic c) summer solstice. d) winter solstice. e) vernal equinox.
summer solstice.
What type of breaker would pose the most danger to people playing or swimming in the surf zone? a) spilling breakers b) surging breakers c) plunging breakers d) gradual breakers e) curling breakers
surging breakers
A tsunami may result from: a) a large deep-water wave. b) an intense storm. c) tectonic activity on the seafloor. d) a storm surge. e) constructive wave interference.
tectonic activity on the seafloor.
What is refraction? a) the bending of waves due to a change in wave phase b) the bending of waves due to a change in wave velocity c) the bending of waves due to a change in wavelength d) the bending of waves due to a change in wave amplitude
the bending of waves due to a change in wave velocity
Equatorial currents are driven by the: a) Ekman transport. b) density c) Coriolis force. d) trade winds. e) westerlies.
trade winds.
What is the wavelength? a) the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point b) the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs c) the highest part of the wave d) the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave e) the lowest part of the wave
the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs
What is the wave height? a) the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point b) the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs c) the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave d) the highest part of the wave e) the lowest part of the wave
the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave
What is the crest of a wave? a) the lowest part of the wave b) the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs c) the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point d) the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave e) the highest part of the wave
the highest part of the wave
The thickness of sea ice is limited primarily by __________. a) the length of the winter season b) the insulating nature of the ice itself c) heat conducted upward through the water column d) increased salinity of the water excluded from the crystal lattice of the sea ice e) the rate of travel of nearby glaciers
the insulating nature of the ice itself
What is the wave base? a) the closest distance a wave can get to shore before breaking b) the furthest distance a wave can get to shore before dissipating c) the upper limit of wave-induced motion in the water d) the lower limit of wave-induced motion in the water
the lower limit of wave-induced motion in the water
What is the trough of a wave? a) the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave b) the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs c) the lowest part of the wave d) the highest part of the wave e) the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point
the lowest part of the wave
Hurricanes frequently make landfall on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, but rarely, if ever, occur on the Pacific coast. The primary reason for the rarity of West Coast hurricanes is that __________. a) hurricanes do not occur in the eastern Pacific b) the ocean water near the U.S. coast does not get warm enough to supply the needed heat energy for hurricanes c) the Coriolis effect, necessary for the rotation of hurricanes, does not exist outside the tropics d) the western deserts keep the humidity too low for hurricanes to form e) the Rocky Mountains serve as a barrier to keep storms away from the coast
the ocean water near the U.S. coast does not get warm enough to supply the needed heat energy for hurricanes
The El Niño Southern Oscillation can best be described as: a) relative changes between two different atmospheric pressure systems at high altitude. b) wind speed and wind direction differences along the equator. c) tidal differences between coastal Peru and Darwin, Australia. d) the relationship between sea surface temperature and changing atmospheric pressure. e) variation in wind speed over the Pacific Ocean.
the relationship between sea surface temperature and changing atmospheric pressure.
The Coriolis effect is caused by __________. a) the rotation of Earth b) changes in Earth's rotational velocity c) the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) d) the curvature of Earth e) Earth's magnetic field
the rotation of Earth
What causes western intensification? a) Upwelling b) the clockwise rotation of earth c) the rotation of Earth from east to west d) the rotation of Earth from west to east e) Ekman transport
the rotation of Earth from west to east
What causes the three different types of breakers? a) erosion of the shoreline b) the intensity of the wind at the surface c) the steepness of the beach slope d) gravity e) the size of the approaching wave
the steepness of the beach slope
What two features are many of Earth's deserts associated with? a) the subtropical lows and warm ocean currents found along the west coasts of continents b) the subtropical highs and cool ocean currents found along the west coasts of continents c) the subtropical highs and warm ocean currents found along the west coasts of continents d) the subtropical lows and cool ocean currents found along the west coasts of continents
the subtropical highs and cool ocean currents found along the west coasts of continents
The wind belt(s) with strong, reliable, generally easterly winds is (are) the: a) horse latitudes. b) polar easterlies. c) trade winds. d) doldrums e) westerlies.
trade winds.
What is the Southern Oscillation? a) the swapping of high and low temperature zones in the South Pacific under normal conditions b) the swapping of high and low pressure zones in the South Pacific under normal conditions c) the swapping of high and low pressure zones in the South Pacific under El Niño conditions d) the swapping of high and low temperature zones in the South Pacific under El Niño conditions
the swapping of high and low pressure zones in the South Pacific under El Niño conditions
What is the wave period? a) the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs b) the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave c) the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point d) the lowest part of the wave e) the highest part of the wave
the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point
The Ekman spiral is caused by: a) the pycnocline. b) the wind and the Coriolis effect. c) density differences in the water column. d) pressure gradients. e) the wind and gravity.
the wind and the Coriolis effect.
How are tsunamis generated? a) through creation of the seafloor under water b) through creation of the seafloor above water c) through displacement of the seafloor under water d) through displacement of the seafloor above water
through displacement of the seafloor under water
As a result of the Coriolis effect in the northern hemisphere, winds always are deflected: a) to the left of their original direction. b) to the right of their original direction. c) at a 90° angle from their original direction. d) to the east of their original direction. e) at a 45° angle from their original direction.
to the right of their original direction.
You just got your pilot's license, and you want to fly your plane from point A to point B. You remember from your oceanography class that you must account for the Coriolis effect when aiming for your destination. Where must you aim to land at point B? a) to the north of B b) to the west of B c) to the east of B d) directly at B e) to the south of B
to the west of B
In the figure above, depicting a hypothetical wind direction in an ideal world. The iceberg broke off from the Greenland Ice Sheet and floated into the ocean. Under the prevailing wind conditions, in which direction would the iceberg be pushed? a) toward A b) toward B c) toward C d) toward D e) toward E
toward D
Refer the figure above. In which direction would the entire surface current underneath the Greenland iceberg be expected to travel? a) toward A b) toward B c) toward C d) toward D e) toward E
toward E
The Coriolis effect is due to changes in the ________ of Earth with latitude. a) pressure b) density c) temperature d) chemical composition e) velocity
velocity
The time it takes one full wave to pass a fixed position is called the ________. a) wave frequency b) wavelength c) wave period d) wave drift e) waveform
wave period
The largest wind-generated waves tend to be associated with the: a) horse latitudes. b) polar regions. c) westerlies. d) trade winds. e) equatorial doldrums.
westerlies.
When does a violent storm become a hurricane? a) when surrounding coastal areas begin to flood b) when lives are lost c) when wind speeds exceed 118 kilometers per hour (73 miles per hour) d) when it starts raining e) when the sea starts to damage surrounding structures
when wind speeds exceed 118 kilometers per hour (73 miles per hour)
The ion in sea water that serves as a buffer is: a) Ca+2. b) CO2. c) Cl-. d) HCO3-. e) Na+.
HCO3-.
Human consumption of which of the following components of seawater helps prevent goiter? a) Calcium b) Iodine c) Magnesium d) Sodium e) Sulfate
Iodine
Is there relatively high or low seawater salinity in the high latitudes? What combination of factors explains the salinity at high latitudes? a) Lower salinity due to high precipitation and runoff and melting icebergs, and low evaporation due to cooler temperatures b) Higher salinity due to low evaporation and low runoff c) Higher salinity due to high precipitation and runoff and melting icebergs, and low evaporation due to cooler temperatures d) Lower salinity due to warm temperatures, which leads to high evaporation and low precipitation and runoff
Lower salinity due to high precipitation and runoff and melting icebergs, and low evaporation due to cooler temperatures
Which of the following is a layer of rapidly changing density? a) Mixed layer b) Thermocline c) Pycnocline d) Halocline
Pycnocline
Which of the following characteristics of Earth's relationship to the Sun explains the existence of Earth's seasons? Choose all that apply. a) Earth has a satellite called the Moon, which rotates around Earth. b) Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane. c) Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. d) Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars. e) Earth spins on its axis, completing one rotation each day.
b, c, e
How do hydrogen bonds define the three states of matter in water? Choose all that apply. a) Ice has more hydrogen bonds than water vapor does. b) There are no hydrogen bonds when water is in a gas phase. c) In liquid water, there are some hydrogen bonds between water molecules that form and break repeatedly. d) Water will be a solid if there are hydrogen bonds between all water molecules. e) Hydrogen bonds are stronger than covalent bonds and are responsible for water's high heat capacity and latent heats.
b, d
As water boils, it reaches a plateau where all energy added is used to break intermolecular bonds in water, not increase its temperature; this is called ________. a) latent heat of melting b) latent heat of vaporization c) latent heat of freezing d) latent heat of condensation e) latent heat of evaporation
latent heat of vaporization
Van der Waals forces are relatively weak interactions that exist between electrically ________ molecules because of the molecules' uneven distribution of charge. a) positive b) negative c) neutral
neutral
Subatomic particles with a neutral charge are called ________. a) electrons b) neutrons c) protons d) ions e) atoms
neutrons
The covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule form as a result of the ________. a) sharing of electrons between the atoms b) polarity of water molecules c) viscosity of water d) transfer of electrons between the atoms e) surface tension of water
sharing of electrons between the atoms
Why are dissolved oxygen concentrations higher in the surface ocean at high latitudes than the surface ocean at low latitudes? a) there are fewer people breathing the oxygen at high latitudes b) surface water temperatures are colder at high latitudes c) there is less respiration in the surface waters at high latitudes d) water is more stratified at high latitudes e) there is more respiration in the surface waters at high latitudes
there is less respiration in the surface waters at high latitudes
The most common liquid on planet Earth is __________. a) ammonia b) oxygen c) hydrogen d) water e) carbon
water
If you were the captain of a sailing ship, which of the following latitudes would you want to avoid MOST? a) 0 degrees b) 30 degrees c) 20 degrees d) 45 degrees e) 10 degrees
30 degrees
The density of pure water reaches its maximum density, or plateaus, at an approximate temperature of __________. a) 100ºC b) 0ºC c) 90ºC d) 4ºC e) 1.9ºC
4ºC
Which of the following best describes the Electrolysis Method for desalination? a) A current is run through positive and negative electrodes in freshwater separated by semipermeable membranes from seawater. b) Large icebergs are brought to coastal waters off countries that need freshwater where they are melted. c) Saltwater is boiled and the water vapor is passed through a cooling condenser, where it condenses as freshwater. d) Seawater is frozen and thawed multiple times, with the salts washed from the ice between each thawing. e) Water on the salty side of a semipermeable membrane is pushed under high pressure through the membrane to the freshwater side.
A current is run through positive and negative electrodes in freshwater separated by semipermeable membranes from seawater.
Why are cyclones generally associated with clouds and rain? a) Air in cyclones undergoes warming as it rises. b) Air in cyclones undergoes warming as it falls. c) Air in cyclones undergoes cooling as it rises. d) Air in cyclones undergoes cooling as it falls.
Air in cyclones undergoes cooling as it rises.
Which of the following is the smallest reservoir of the Earth's hydrologic cycle? a) Groundwater and soil moisture b) World ocean c) Streams and lakes d) Ice caps, glaciers, and snow e) Atmospheric water vapor
Atmospheric water vapor
In the figure above, which shows water molecules. Which label(s) indicate a covalent bond? a) A b) B c) C d) B and C e) D
C
Is there relatively high or low seawater salinity in the low latitudes? What combination of factors explains the salinity at low latitudes? a) Salinity is uniformly high due to the high levels of evaporation. b) There is not much of a relative difference in the seawater salinity between high latitudes and low latitudes; the variation in low-latitude salinity averages out to be about the same as in high latitudes. c) Compared to high latitudes, there is lower salinity due to higher evaporation, but the salinity is slightly lower close to the equator due to an increase in runoff there. d) Compared to high latitudes, there is higher salinity due to higher evaporation, but the salinity is slightly lower close to the equator due to an increase in runoff there.
Compared to high latitudes, there is higher salinity due to higher evaporation, but the salinity is slightly lower close to the equator due to an increase in runoff there.
On an annual basis which of the following fluxes between reservoirs of the hydrologic cycle is the smallest? a) Continent to ocean b) Ocean to atmosphere c) Continent to atmosphere d) Atmosphere to continent e) Atmosphere to ocean
Continent to ocean
As climate change causes global rises in temperature, which of the following processes affecting sea surface salinity are likely to occur? Choose all that apply. a) Decreased sea ice formation will decrease sea surface salinity. b) Higher levels of evaporation from the ocean will increase sea surface salinity. c) Higher levels of precipitation and runoff will decrease sea surface salinity. d) Increased melting of glacial ice and sea ice will decrease sea surface salinity e) Increased sea ice formation will increase sea surface salinity.
Decreased sea ice formation will decrease sea surface salinity. Higher levels of evaporation from the ocean will increase sea surface salinity. Higher levels of precipitation and runoff will decrease sea surface salinity. Increased melting of glacial ice and sea ice will decrease sea surface salinity
There is a general trend of decreasing pH with increasing water depth in the ocean. What is the cause of this pattern? a) The low temperature and high pressure at depth both work to lower the pH. b) Deeper, colder ocean water contains more dissolved carbon dioxide, which causes the pH to be lower. c) The lack of marine life in deep water means that a smaller amount of organic acids is released into the water by biological activity. d) The carbonate buffering effect makes the water more basic or alkaline. e) The water is more saline with depth, and higher salinity means greater acidity.
Deeper, colder ocean water contains more dissolved carbon dioxide, which causes the pH to be lower.
Which of the following surface seawater salinity conditions would you predict for the following location: Latitude: 20°N Longitude: 180°W? a) High surface seawater salinity due to evaporation b) High surface seawater salinity due to precipitation c) Low surface seawater salinity due to evaporation d) Low surface seawater salinity due to precipitation
High surface seawater salinity due to evaporation
Dissolved ions are removed from the ocean through which of these processes? a) Hydrothermal activity at the mid-ocean ridge b) River discharge c) Volcanic eruptions
Hydrothermal activity at the mid-ocean ridge
What type of bonding does table salt have? a) Covalent b) Metallic c) Hydrogen d) Ionic
Ionic
What makes water a polar molecule? a) It is attracted to many substances. b) It has hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds. c) It is high energy in the gas phase and low energy in the solid phase. d) It behaves erratically in a gas phase. e) It has a positive hydrogen side and a negative oxygen side.
It has a positive hydrogen side and a negative oxygen side.
A beaker contains a mixture of ice and pure liquid water at 0oC. What happens to the temperature of the liquid water as heat is added? a) The temperature pattern cannot be predicted. b) It remains constant until the ice melts, and then it begins to rise. c) It immediately begins to rise slowly. d) It rises rapidly as the ice melts. e) It rises slowly until it reaches 32oC, and then it remains constant as the ice melts.
It remains constant until the ice melts, and then it begins to rise.
Which of the following surface seawater salinity conditions would you predict for the following location: Latitude: 60°N Longitude: 20°W a) High surface seawater salinity due to evaporation b) High surface seawater salinity due to precipitation c) Low surface seawater salinity due to evaporation d) Low surface seawater salinity due to precipitation
Low surface seawater salinity due to precipitation
Which of the following gases in the atmosphere is the most abundant percentage by volume? a) Oxygen b) Carbon dioxide c) Methane d) Nitrogen
Nitrogen
On an annual basis which of the following fluxes between reservoirs of the hydrologic cycle is the largest? a) Atmosphere to ocean b) Continent to ocean c) Continent to atmosphere d) Ocean to atmosphere e) Atmosphere to continent
Ocean to atmosphere
Protons have which type of electrical charge? a) No charge b) Negative c) Neutral d) Positive
Positive
Dissolved ions enter the ocean through which of these processes? a) Sea spray b) Hydrothermal activity at mid-ocean ridge c) Adsorption and precipitation d) Biological processes e) River discharge
River Discharge
When do all locations on Earth experience equal lengths of day and night? Choose all that apply. a) June Solstice b) September Equinox c) March Equinox d) December Solstice
b, c
Which of the following best describes the Distillation Method for desalination? a) A current is run through positive and negative electrodes in freshwater separated by semipermeable membranes from seawater. b) Large icebergs are brought to coastal waters off countries that need freshwater where they are melted. c) Saltwater is boiled and the water vapor is passed through a cooling condenser, where it condenses as freshwater. d) Seawater is frozen and thawed multiple times, with the salts washed from the ice between each thawing. e) Water on the salty side of a semipermeable membrane is pushed under high pressure through the membrane to the freshwater side.
Saltwater is boiled and the water vapor is passed through a cooling condenser, where it condenses as freshwater.
Which of the following best describes the Freeze Separation Method for desalination? a) A current is run through positive and negative electrodes in freshwater separated by semipermeable membranes from seawater. b) Large icebergs are brought to coastal waters off countries that need freshwater where they are melted. c) Saltwater is boiled and the water vapor is passed through a cooling condenser, where it condenses as freshwater. d) Seawater is frozen and thawed multiple times, with the salts washed from the ice between each thawing. e) Water on the salty side of a semipermeable membrane is pushed under high pressure through the membrane to the freshwater side.
Seawater is frozen and thawed multiple times, with the salts washed from the ice between each thawing.
Which of the following is the most abundant positively charged component of seawater? a) Calcium b) Chloride c) Magnesium d) Sodium e) Sulfate
Sodium
Which of the following statements comparing covalent and hydrogen bonding is correct? a) Weaker covalent bonds occur between adjacent water molecules and stronger hydrogen bonds form within water molecules. b) Weaker covalent bonds occur within water molecules and stronger hydrogen bonds form between adjacent water molecules. c) Stronger covalent bonds occur within water molecules and weaker hydrogen bonds form between adjacent water molecules. d) Stronger covalent bonds occur between adjacent water molecules and weaker hydrogen bonds form within water molecules.
Stronger covalent bonds occur within water molecules and weaker hydrogen bonds form between adjacent water molecules.
Which of the following best defines heat? a) The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius b) The direct measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance's molecules c) The energy needed to break the intermolecular bonds that hold molecules in place d) The energy transfer from one body to another due to a difference in temperature e) Weak interactions that become significant when molecules are very close together
The energy transfer from one body to another due to a difference in temperature
Which of the following best defines heat capacity? a) The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius b) The direct measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance's molecules c) The energy needed to break the intermolecular bonds that hold molecules in place d) The energy transfer from one body to another due to a difference in temperature e) Weak interactions that become significant when molecules are very close together
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius
Which of the following best defines temperature? a) The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius b) The direct measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance's molecules c) The energy needed to break the intermolecular bonds that hold molecules in place d) The energy transfer from one body to another due to a difference in temperature e) Weak interactions that become significant when molecules are very close together
The direct measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance's molecules
If Earth rotated in the opposite direction, how would global atmospheric circulation be affected? a) The global wind belts would blow in the opposite east-west direction. b) The atmospheric circulation cells would reverse direction. c) The global wind belts would blow in the opposite north-south direction. d) Atmospheric circulation would be organized into a total of 8 circulation cells (4 in the Northern Hemisphere and 4 in the Southern Hemisphere).
The global wind belts would blow in the opposite north-south direction.
Which attributes of the water molecule arise from the unique bend in its geometry? a) Both sides are negatively charged. b) The oxygen end has a positive charge, and the hydrogen end has a negative charge. c) Both sides are positively charged. d) The hydrogen end has a positive charge, and the oxygen end has a negative charge.
The hydrogen end has a positive charge, and the oxygen end has a negative charge.
How does the inclination of Earth's axis change over the course of a year? a) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shallower. b) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shorter. c) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes steeper. d) The inclination of Earth's axis does not change. e) The inclination of Earth's axis becomes longer.
The inclination of Earth's axis does not change.
Which statement accurately describes the interaction between a water molecule and sodium chloride as it dissolves? a) The negative oxygen end of the water molecule is attracted to the positive chloride ion. b) The positive oxygen end of the water molecule is attracted to the positive sodium ion. c) The negative oxygen end of the water molecule is attracted to the positive sodium ion. d) The negative hydrogen end of the water molecule is attracted to the negative chloride ion. e) The positive hydrogen end of the water molecule is attracted to the negative sodium ion.
The negative oxygen end of the water molecule is attracted to the positive sodium ion.
What two factors explain why the prevailing westerlies blow toward the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and the southwest in the Southern Hemisphere? a) The two factors are the direction of circulation in the Ferrel cell and the Coriolis effect. b) The two factors are the direction of circulation in the Ferrel cell and the polar easterlies. c) The two factors are the direction of circulation in the Hadley cell and the polar easterlies. d) The two factors are the direction of circulation in the Hadley cell and the Coriolis effect. e) The two factors are the trade winds and the Coriolis effect.
The two factors are the direction of circulation in the Hadley cell and the Coriolis effect.
Why are water molecules in a gas phase able to move rapidly and independently of each other? a) There are no hydrogen bonds between water molecules in a gas phase, so each water molecule acts as an individual. b) Water molecules in a gas phase are at a higher temperature and have a lot of kinetic energy. c) There are no covalent bonds between water molecules in a gas phase. d) The covalent bonds holding each water molecule together in a gas phase are very strong. e) Hydrogen bonds in a gas phase repeatedly form then break, allowing the water molecules to move freely.
There are no hydrogen bonds between water molecules in a gas phase, so each water molecule acts as an individual.
In terms of temperature for high-latitude regions, which layer is absent? a) Halocline b) Pycnocline c) Mixing zone d) Thermocline
Thermocline
Why does the water molecule have polarity? a) Water contains two hydrogen atoms, which outnumber the one oxygen atom. b) Water contains two elements that have opposite charges from one another. c) Water is geometrically bent to give one side, or pole, a positive charge and the opposite side a negative charge. d) Both sides of the water molecule can help to dissolve substances.
Water is geometrically bent to give one side, or pole, a positive charge and the opposite side a negative charge.
Why is water able to dissolve salt? a) Water molecules are polar and are attracted to the electrically charged ions that form salts. b) Salt is composed of two different elements that are not bonded to one another, so it dissolves easily. c) The water molecule is bent so that salt attaches to the oxygen side of the molecule and is dissolved. d) Polar water molecules are attracted to nonpolar salt molecules, causing them to separate. e) Oxygen atoms are negatively charged and attract other negatively charged elements like salts.
Water molecules are polar and are attracted to the electrically charged ions that form salts.
The basic building blocks of all matter are called ________. a) electrons b) atoms c) neutrons d) protons e) ions
atoms
Which of the following best describes the Reverse Osmosis Method for desalination? a) A current is run through positive and negative electrodes in freshwater separated by semipermeable membranes from seawater. b) Large icebergs are brought to coastal waters off countries that need freshwater where they are melted. c) Saltwater is boiled and the water vapor is passed through a cooling condenser, where it condenses as freshwater. d) Seawater is frozen and thawed multiple times, with the salts washed from the ice between each thawing. e) Water on the salty side of a semipermeable membrane is pushed under high pressure through the membrane to the freshwater side.
Water on the salty side of a semipermeable membrane is pushed under high pressure through the membrane to the freshwater side.
Which of the following is not one of the reasons why water is considered a universal solvent? a) Water molecules stick to other polar chemical compounds. b) Water molecules interact with other water molecules and other polar molecules. c) When the ions separate, they become attracted to identically charged water molecules. d) Water molecules make it much easier for ions to separate. e) Water molecules reduce the attraction between ions of opposite charges.
When the ions separate, they become attracted to identically charged water molecules.
What is an anticylone? a) a center of high atmospheric pressure b) a center of low atmospheric temperature c) a center of high atmospheric temperature d) a center of low atmospheric pressure
a center of high atmospheric pressure
What is a cyclone? a) a center of high atmospheric temperature b) a center of low atmospheric pressure c) a center of high atmospheric pressure d) a center of low atmospheric temperature
a center of low atmospheric pressure
Earth rotates about its axis and all objects on its surface are constantly moving around in a large circle in space. The Earth's oceans and atmosphere are also spinning around with Earth at the same rate. The Coriolis effect may therefore seem predominant, but not all objects are influenced by it and not all the influences get noticed. Which of the following are influenced by Coriolis effect. a) ocean currents b) helicopter, on a flight c) rainbow d) baseball, when hit by a bat by someone located at the Equator
a, b
Of the following properties of water, which is/are caused by the unusual geometry of water molecules? Choose all that apply. a) Water molecules hydrate other ions. b) Water has the ability to dissolve just about anything. c) Water has cohesion and surface tension. d) Water molecules form hydrogen bonds. e) Water density is greatest when solid.
a, b, c, d
Of the following statements about seawater salinity, which is/are true? Choose all that apply. a) Seawater salinity averages 35 ppt. b) The two most common dissolved components in seawater are sodium and chloride. c) Seawater salinity does not vary from place to place in the ocean. d) Seawater salinity averages 3.5%. e) An increase in salinity causes a corresponding decrease in electrical conductivity.
a, b, d
Of the following statements about the pH of seawater, which is/are true? Choose all that apply. a) The pH of seawater is higher than that of pure water. b) The carbonate buffering system stabilizes the pH of seawater. c) An increase in the pH of seawater means it is becoming more acidic. d) Seawater is slightly acidic. e) Dissolving carbon dioxide in seawater decreases the pH of seawater.
a, b, e
As a whole, the pH of surface waters of the ocean is slightly __________. a) alkaline b) acidic c) neutral
alkaline
The principal reason that oil and water do not mix, even when shaken, is that oil molecules __________. a) are organic b) are smaller than water molecules c) are nonpolar whereas water molecules are polar d) have a high heat capacity e) have no latent heat
are nonpolar whereas water molecules are polar
Why do dissolved oxygen concentrations increase at depths greater than about 1000 meters at high and low latitudes? Choose all that apply. a) it is deeper and darker, so less oxygen is photodegraded by sunlight b) oxygen is more soluble at these depths c) there are fewer marine organisms at these depths d) there are more organisms producing oxygen at these depths e) deeper water is colder
b, c
When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator? Choose all that apply. a) December Solstice b) September Equinox c) June Solstice d) March Equinox
b, d
Which of the following statements is true of water in a solid state? Choose all that apply. a) Water molecules in ice do not interact with each other very often. b) Solid water conforms to the shape of its container. c) It is rigid and forms a three-dimensional crystalline shape. d) Water molecules in ice remain in a relatively fixed position and are not as mobile as they are in the liquid state, where there are fewer hydrogen bonds. e) There are covalent bonds between each water molecule.
c, d
The depth at which calcite dissolves rapidly in the ocean is called the __________. a) lysocline b) halocline c) calcite compensation depth or CCD d) thermocline e) pycnocline
calcite compensation depth or CCD
Carbon dioxide (CO2) combines with water (H2O) to form __________. a) bicarbonate ions (HCO3 −) b) carbonate ions (CO3 −2) c) calcium carbonate (CaCO3) d) carbonic acid (H2CO3) e) hydrogen ions (H−)
carbonic acid (H2CO3)
Latent heat is the quantity of heat gained or lost as a substance undergoes a: a) change in state. b) change in subatomic structure. c) change in chemical composition. d) change in atomic mass. e) change in molecular weight.
change in state.
Calcite-secreting organisms such as __________ and __________ live in the ocean's sunlit surface waters and form the basis of most marine food webs. a) coccolithophores; radiolarians b) diatoms; foraminifers c) coccolithophores; foraminifers d) diatoms; radiolarians
coccolithophores; foraminifers
Of the following processes, which increases the salinity of seawater? Choose all that apply. a) Precipitation b) Runoff c) Sea ice melting d) Sea ice formation e) Melting icebergs f) Evaporation
d, f
The salinity curve for high latitudes shows ________ salinity at the surface and ________ salinity at depth. Whereas, the salinity curve for low latitudes shows ________ salinity at the surface and ________ salinity at depth. a) increased; increased; decreased; decreased b) decreased; decreased; increased; increased c) decreased; increased; increased; decreased d) increased; decreased; decreased; increased
decreased; increased; increased; decreased
Subatomic particles with a negative charge are called ________. a) molecules b) atoms c) ions d) protons e) electrons
electrons
If all the water in the ocean was evaporated and only the solid salt was left behind, how much salt would there be? a) enough to blanket North America in a foot of salt b) enough to form a layer about 500 feet thick that covers all of Earth c) enough to fill one 50-story building d) enough to create a 1-inch-thick coating on the ocean floor e) enough to replace the volume of all the water in the oceans with salt
enough to form a layer about 500 feet thick that covers all of Earth
We might expect to encounter brackish ocean surface water __________. a) in the trade wind belt of the North Pacific Ocean b) off the coast of Washington and Oregon c) in the middle latitudes of the North Atlantic Ocean d) in the Persian Gulf e) in the Mediterranean Sea
off the coast of Washington and Oregon
Salinity is expressed in ________. a) parts per trillion b) parts per hundred c) parts per million d) parts per thousand
parts per thousand
Why are dissolved oxygen concentrations higher in the surface ocean than in the deep ocean at both high and low latitudes? a) respiration by fish and other marine organisms b) oxygen is more soluble in surface waters c) chemosynthesis of archaea d) mixing with the atmosphere e) photosynthesis by phytoplankton
photosynthesis by phytoplankton
Where did most of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere come from? a) human respiration b) respiration of phytoplankton in the ocean c) photosynthesis of phytoplankton in the ocean d) chemosynthesis e) photosynthesis of land plants
photosynthesis of phytoplankton in the ocean
Why are dissolved oxygen concentrations lowest from just below the surface to a depth of about 1000 meters in both high and low latitudes? a) mixing with the atmosphere b) respiration by fish and other marine organismsc c) chemosynthesis of archaea d) photosynthesis by phytoplankton e) oxygen is less soluble at this depth in the ocean
respiration by fish and other marine organismsc
Areas of low pressure tend to have ______ air and _____ weather. a) rising, clear b) sinking, stormy c) sinking, clear d) rising, stormy
rising, stormy
The density (mass per volume) of most liquids increases as the __________ is lowered. a) concentration b) temperature c) pH d) salinity e) pressure
temperature
The states of matter in which water exists is primarily determined by: a) pH. b) density. c) salinity d) chlorinity e) temperature.
temperature.
The Principle of Constant Proportions states that: a) the percentage of chloride varies with geographical location. b) the percentage of sodium varies with ocean depth. c) the relative concentrations of the major ions in seawater does not change. d) ocean salinity varies with geographical location. e) ocean salinity varies as a function of season.
the relative concentrations of the major ions in seawater does not change.
What is the December solstice? a) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun c) The time of the year when the Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun.
the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun
What is the June solstice? a) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun b) the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun c) The time of the year when Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun
the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun