Oceanography midterm 2
About what percentage of the incoming sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's land and water surface? a. 20% b. 35% c. 50% d. 65%
c. 50%
The only ocean current that continues in an uninterrupted circle around the circumference of the Earth without encountering land is the: a. Gulf Stream. b. Kuroshio, or Japan, Current. c. Antarctic Circumpolar Current. d. Canary Current.
c. Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Which of the following is NOT an eastern boundary current? a. Canary Current b. Benguela Current c. Gulf Stream d. West Australian Current
c. Gulf Stream
A wave first begins to break against the shore when the ratio of wave height to water depth is about 3:4.
false
Because of the combination of gravitational and inertial forces, tides are unpredictable.
false
Celerity is a measure of wavelength and the units are meters.
false
For tides as long waves, the amphidromic point corresponds to the wave crest.
false
Frozen water is more dense than liquid water.
false
Wave reflection causes interference in the form of vertical oscillations that are called standing waves.
true
Warm-core eddies are common in the North Pacific.
false
Ocean gyres are asymmetrical because of the Coriolis effect.
true
Tidal bulges are formed as the moon's gravity pulls the surface of the ocean towards the moon.
true
What body generates the strongest tractive forces? a. The moon b. The sun c. The Earth d. the moon and the sun
a. The moon
What is the approximate mixing time of the world ocean? a. about 1,600 years b. about 160,000 years c. about 160,000,000 years d. about 1 million years
a. about 1,600 years
Constructive Interference in waves can cause: a. an occasional wave greater than any noted before or after its occurrence. b. every other wave to be larger or smaller than those preceding or following. c. waves to get smaller within 24 hours. d. waves to double in height every 24 hours.
a. an occasional wave greater than any noted before or after its occurrence.
When viewed from above, tropical cyclones rotate ____ in the southern hemisphere. a. clockwise b. counterclockwise c. in either direction depending on the storm d. poleward
a. clockwise
San Francisco's characteristic cold and foggy weather is caused by a: a. cold eastern boundary current. b. warm eastern boundary current. c. cold western boundary current. d. warm western boundary current.
a. cold eastern boundary current.
One of the driving forces of atmospheric circulation is: a. convection. b. conduction. c. evaporation. d. transpiration.
a. convection.
A tide pattern of one high and one low each day describes a: a. diurnal tide. b. mixed tide. c. solar tide. d. semidiurnal tide.
a. diurnal tide.
Calm equatorial areas of low pressure are referred to as the: a. doldrums. b. horse latitudes. c. trade winds. d. westerlies.
a. doldrums.
One source of dissolved gases and nutrients to deep waters is: a. downwelling. b. upwelling. c. conduction. d. Langmuir Circulation.
a. downwelling.
The uninterrupted distance over which the wind blows without change in direction is the: a. fetch. b. wavelength. c. wind length. d. wind cell.
a. fetch.
Waves with the greatest propagation rate or celerity: a. have the longest wavelengths. b. occur in shallow water only. c. form when the wind is blowing less than 0.5 nautical miles per hour. d. have wave periods of less than one second.
a. have the longest wavelengths.
The property of water that accounts for the ability of liquid water to absorb heat and change only very little in temperature is called: a. high heat capacity. b. latent heat of evaporation. c. latent heat of fusion. d. freezing coefficient.
a. high heat capacity.
The amount of oxygen that seawater can hold in solution will be greater: a. in colder water. b. in warmer water. c. in water with a higher salinity. d. in water with less pressure and density.
a. in colder water.
Heat can be carried to the polar regions: a. in ocean currents from the tropics. b. in the circumpolar ocean current. c. as water is transported away from the poles. d. as water is transported towards lower latitudes.
a. in ocean currents from the tropics.
Tidal bores usually occur: a. in rivers or long narrow bays. b. in open ocean far from land. c. around islands. d. in enclosed basins such as the Mediterranean.
a. in rivers or long narrow bays.
The tidal pattern characteristic of the west coast of the United States is: a. mixed tides. b. diurnal tides. c. reversing tides. d. amphidromic tides.
a. mixed tides.
A ________________ is a pattern of wind circulation that changes with the seasons. a. monsoon b. typhoon c. hurricane d. cyclone
a. monsoon
If our planet were without its ocean, but otherwise the same as it is today, surface temperatures would be: a. more extreme. b. less extreme. c. about the same as we know today. d. impossible to tell without more information.
a. more extreme.
An amphidromic point is a: a. no tide point in the ocean around which the tide crest rotates through one tidal cycle. b. place in the ocean where tides are highest. c. place in the ocean where tidal datum is displaced to the right (in the northern hemisphere), or to the south (in the southern hemisphere). d. no tide point at the coast where there is a daily high tide, but no low tide.
a. no tide point in the ocean around which the tide crest rotates through one tidal cycle.
World-wide, the most common type of tides are: a. semidiurnal. b. mixed diurnal. c. diurnal. d. mixed node tides.
a. semidiurnal.
The Canary Current is an example of a(n): a. shallow, cold water current. b. deep, cold water current. c. warm, southerly current. d. mesopelagic current.
a. shallow, cold water current.
Most of the energy from the daily rise and fall of the tides comes from: a. the rotation of the Earth. b. winds. c. heat. d. the movement of plates.
a. the rotation of the Earth.
The term "salinity" refers to: a. the total amount of dissolved solids in the ocean. b. the total amount of sodium chloride dissolved in the ocean. c. the total amount of chlorine in one kilogram of water. d. the total amount of chloride ion in the water.
a. the total amount of dissolved solids in the ocean.
When a tsunami reaches shore, a. the wave height is increased by entry into shallow water. b. it always arrives at the time of a high tide. c. the wave will appear as a single huge breaking wave. d. it will always race hundreds of meters inland.
a. the wave height is increased by entry into shallow water.
The distance measured from trough to trough of a wave is: a. the wavelength. b. the wave height. c. the wave period. d. the orbit.
a. the wavelength.
The only marine energy source being successfully exploited on a large scale is: a. tidal power. b. storm waves. c. salinity differences. d. thermal gradient.
a. tidal power.
When waves approach the shore, a series of changes takes place. One change is that the: a. wave crest forms a steep peak. b. wavelength increases. c. wave height decreases. d. wave velocity increases.
a. wave crest forms a steep peak.
The state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place is: a. weather. b. winds. c. climate. d. global warming.
a. weather.
What wave form typically carries the greatest amount of energy through the ocean surface at any given time? a. wind waves b. tsunami c. seiches d. tides
a. wind waves
The hydrogen atoms in a water molecule tend to bond to: a. each other. b. oxygen atoms of another water molecule. c. hydrogen atoms of another water molecule. d. all positively charged ions.
b) Oxygen atoms of another water molecule.
How many atmospheric circulation cells exist in EACH hemisphere? a. 6 b. 3 c. 4 d. 1
b. 3
There are ____ main wind bands in each hemisphere of the Earth. a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5
b. 3
Which of the following statements about pH is not true? a. The pH relates to acid-base balance. b. A pH of 3 is alkaline, a pH of 10 is acid. c. Buffers prevent large swings in pH. d. As a whole, the pH of the ocean is mildly alkaline. .
b. A pH of 3 is alkaline, a pH of 10 is acid.
El Niño results due to an interruption of flow of the ____ Current in the Pacific. a. Kuroshio b. Equatorial c. Canary d. Antarctic Circumpolar
b. Equatorial
Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning air? a. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air. b. Humid air is denser than dry air. c. Warm air is less dense that cold air. d. Water vapor in air can occupy up to 4 percent of air's volume.
b. Humid air is denser than dry air.
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding solar heating of Earth? a. Heating of Earth varies with latitude. b. Ice absorbs much of the solar energy that reaches the poles. c. Greenhouse gases are disrupting Earth's heat balance. d. Much of the solar radiation at the equator is absorbed.
b. Ice absorbs much of the solar energy that reaches the poles.
Which body has the greatest influence on ocean tides? a. Sun b. Moon c. Jupiter d. Venus
b. Moon
Which of the following bodies is the largest? a. Earth. b. Sun. c. Moon. d. Mars
b. Sun.
Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning the equilibrium theory of tides? a. The theory assumes that the seafloor does not influence tides. b. The theory states that the surface of the ocean cannot conform to the combination of forces acting on it. c. The theory presumes the surface of the ocean does conform to acting forces. d. The theory states that there is a balance between all of the forces that influence the surface of the ocean including those that allow Earth to stay in stable orbit around the sun.
b. The theory states that the surface of the ocean cannot conform to the combination of forces acting on it.
A system of four currents completing a flow circuit around the periphery of an ocean basin is collectively called: a. a cell. b. a gyre. c. a microscale current. d. convection cells.
b. a gyre.
A transverse current is: a. a bottom current flowing in the same direction as an overlying surface current. b. a surface current that connects eastern-boundary and western-boundary currents. c. a cold surface current that flows from the poles towards the equator. d. a theoretical current not yet discovered.
b. a surface current that connects eastern-boundary and western-boundary currents.
Which current within a northern hemisphere gyre would you expect to have the lowest salinity and temperature? a. a western boundary current. b. an eastern boundary current. c. a southern boundary current. d. a northern boundary current.
b. an eastern boundary current.
Oxygen enters seawater: a. through the respiration of animals. b. as a byproduct of photosynthesis and diffusion from the surface. c. as a result of decomposition of plant and animal remains. d. through the oxidation of metal ions in seawater.
b. as a byproduct of photosynthesis and diffusion from the surface.
Tides caused by the inertia and the gravitational force of the sun and moon are called: a. neap tides. b. astronomical tides. c. tidal surge. d. meteorological tides.
b. astronomical tides.
Tractive forces: a. are never responsible for the tides. b. cause water to flow away from some ocean areas. c. are the primary causes of tidal surges. d. influence the atmosphere only.
b. cause water to flow away from some ocean areas.
The densest water in ocean currents is the: a. warmest and saltiest. b. coldest and saltiest. c. warmest and freshest. d. coldest and freshest.
b. coldest and saltiest.
Thermohaline circulation is a _________ phenomenon. a. small-scale b. global c. local d. coastal
b. global
The best place to study the effects of a seiche is: a. on a shallow beach at the edge of the Pacific. b. in a harbor or lake. c. near tropical islands in the Pacific or Atlantic. d. in the open sea.
b. in a harbor or lake.
80 calories of heat are required to change 1 gram of ice to liquid water. This represents water's: a. latent heat of evaporation b. latent heat of fusion c. sensible heat d. temperature
b. latent heat of fusion
Water particles in a deep-water wave: a. move rapidly toward the shore. b. move in circular orbits. c. do not move; only the wave form moves. d. move in flat elliptical circles.
b. move in circular orbits.
According to the atmospheric circulation model developed in the text, air tends to a. rise at 30 north and fall at 60 north. b. rise at 60 north and fall at 30 north. c. rise at 30 north and fall at 0 north. d. rise at 30 north and rise at 60 north.
b. rise at 60 north and fall at 30 north.
Weather may be defined as: a. long-term temperature and rainfall trends. b. short-term, localized characteristics of the atmosphere. c. long-term changes in the composition of the atmosphere. d. short-term changes in the composition of the atmosphere.
b. short-term, localized characteristics of the atmosphere.
The type of tide associated with the full and new moons are: a. neap tides. b. spring tides. c. diurnal tides. d. tidal currents.
b. spring tides.
22. A meteorological tide is caused by: a. rogue waves. b. storms. c. ebb currents. d. gravity and inertia.
b. storms.
Residence time is: a. the same for all elements in the ocean. b. the average length of time an element spends in the ocean. c. the length of time it takes an element to dissolve in the ocean. d. the same as mixing time.
b. the average length of time an element spends in the ocean.
All of the following influence the depth to which light can penetrate the ocean EXCEPT: a. the dust, cloud cover, and gases in the atmosphere. b. the depth of the water. c. the smoothness or roughness of the sea surface. d. the amount of suspended material in the water.
b. the depth of the water.
Most of the damage caused by hurricane Katrina was due to: a. the storm surge arriving at low tide. b. the storm surge arriving at high tide. c. the low winds. d. the high temperatures.
b. the storm surge arriving at high tide.
The reference level to which tidal height is compared is called the: a. sea level of spring tides. b. tidal datum. c. maximum range. d. tidal variance.
b. tidal datum.
A steep wave moving upstream generated by the action of the tide crest in the enclosed area of a river mouth is called a: a. tidal node. b. tidal wave. c. tidal surge. d. tidal current.
b. tidal wave.
The longest of all ocean waves are called: a. tsunami. b. tides. c. storm surge. d. wind wave.
b. tides.
Which of these lists is arranged in order from smallest wavelength to longest wavelength? a. seiches, tsunami, wind waves, tides b. wind waves, seiches, tsunami, tides c. wind waves, tsunami, seiches, tides d. tides, seiches, tsunami, wind waves
b. wind waves, seiches, tsunami, tides
The greatest disturbing force creating waves is: a. convection. b. wind. c. gravity. d. heat.
b. wind.
The immediate source of surface currents is: a. weather. b. wind. c. the sun. d. the tides.
b. wind.
Near shore, if the wave crests are 200 feet apart, the wave will "feel" bottom when the depth is about: a. 20 feet. b. 50 feet. c. 100 feet. d. 200 feet.
c. 100 feet.
The average salinity of the world ocean is about ____. a. 35% b. 21.5% c. 3.5% d. 52%
c. 3.5%
Which of the following is true about a tidal current? a. The velocity of a tidal current increases with depth. b. The velocity is always greater in the open ocean away from land. c. The velocity of a tidal current decreases with depth. d. They only approach shore during a storm surge.
c. The velocity of a tidal current decreases with depth.
In the open sea, tsunami: a. are giant breaking waves that are dangerous to ships. b. are slow-moving waves, slower than the swell. c. are long-period waves, often of 5-20 minutes. d. have short wavelengths of 100-200 feet, similar to wind waves.
c. are long-period waves, often of 5-20 minutes.
Extratropical cyclones typically form: a. near the equator. b. at high latitudes, at the north or south pole. c. at high latitudes, at the junction between the polar cells and the Ferrel cells. d. in the tropics.
c. at high latitudes, at the junction between the polar cells and the Ferrel cells.
In shallow water, the motion of water particles: a. ceases completely. b. forms large circular orbits. c. becomes a back-and-forth motion near the bottom. d. becomes an up-and-down motion near the bottom.
c. becomes a back-and-forth motion near the bottom.
Currents tend to move in large ____ patterns in the northern hemisphere. a. irregular b. counterclockwise c. clockwise d. random
c. clockwise
The main force driving thermohaline circulation is: a. wind. b. Coriolis effect. c. density. d. electromagnetic attraction.
c. density.
Surface winds move across most of the tropical Pacific in a _____________ direction. a. northeast b. west to east c. east to west d. northwest
c. east to west
Warm air ____ and cool air ____. a. expands and sinks; expands and rises b. contracts and rises; expands and sinks c. expands and rises; contracts and sinks d. expands and rises; expands and sinks
c. expands and rises; contracts and sinks
As carbon dioxide enters the ocean it: a. is used by animals for respiration. b. bonds to water molecules to increase the salinity of the ocean. c. forms carbonic acid. d. becomes a product of photosynthesis.
c. forms carbonic acid.
The side of the Earth facing the moon will experience a high tide, while the opposite side of the Earth will have a: a. low tide. b. time of no tidal action. c. high tide also. d. tide that cannot be predicted.
c. high tide also.
The type of bond that enables water molecules to stick together is a: a. covalent bond. b. molecular bond. c. hydrogen bond. d. atomic bond.
c. hydrogen bond.
A permanent and deep thermocline can be found: a. in temperate zones. b. in Antarctica. c. in the tropics. d. anywhere depending on water salinity.
c. in the tropics.
The Ramapo wave is unique because: a. many lives were lost when it struck the shore. b. it is the largest wave ever observed by people. c. it is the largest wave accurately measured by direct observation. d. it was captured alive and brought to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 1933 where it is presently on display. Tickets are hard to obtain.
c. it is the largest wave accurately measured by direct observation
Which of these phenomena causes the least structural damage and loss of life during the passage of a tropical cyclone? a. storm surge. b. flooding. c. low atmospheric pressure. d. rainfall.
c. low atmospheric pressure.
21. Slack water: a. occurs at high tide. b. occurs at low tide. c. occurs when the current is changing direction. d. occurs midway between high and low tide.
c. occurs when the current is changing direction.
When air masses come together: a. very little weather activity results. b. a tropical cyclone forms. c. one air mass may ride up and over the other and form a front. d. one air mass may ride up over the other and form a storm surge.
c. one air mass may ride up and over the other and form a front.
Waves tend to be parallel to the shore when they break due to the process of: a. diffraction. b. reflection. c. refraction. d. reaction.
c. refraction.
The period of wind waves is usually expressed in: a. feet or meters. b. miles per hour, or kilometers per hour. c. seconds. d. feet or meters per hour.
c. seconds.
The time between high and low tide when the current changes direction is called: a. ebb water. b. flood tides. c. slack water. d. amphidromic points.
c. slack water.
Upwelling areas are: a. only found near the equator. b. usually nutrient poor. c. sometimes interrupted during El Niño years. d. not affected by Ekman transport.
c. sometimes interrupted during El Niño years.
Seasons are caused by: a. changes in the weather. b. annual variation in the energy output of the sun. c. the Earth's orbital tilt relative to the plane of its orbit around the sun. d. our being closer to the sun in summer.
c. the Earth's orbital tilt relative to the plane of its orbit around the sun.
The primary force(s) that cause(s) tides in the sea is (are): a. coastal earthquakes and landslides. b. wind and storms at sea. c. the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun. d. the gravitational attraction of Mars and Venus.
c. the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun.
The ultimate source of most of the energy for ocean currents is: a. weather. b. wind. c. the sun. d. the tides.
c. the sun.
The dependable surface winds of the Earth centered at about 15 north and south latitudes are called: a. the westerlies. b. the northerlies. c. the trade winds. d. the doldrum winds.
c. the trade winds.
A sverdrup (sv) is a measure of: a. wind speed. b. current speed and direction. c. the volume of water transported in an ocean current. d. the amount of heat transferred to water from the sun.
c. the volume of water transported in an ocean current.
As wind waves move out of a storm area: a. the short waves move out first and form "chop." b. the short-period waves overtake the long-period waves. c. the waves are sorted by velocity and form the swell. d. the sea becomes flat outside the storm area.
c. the waves are sorted by velocity and form the swell.
Unlike other moving things, wind waves travel over great distances in virtually straight lines. This is physically possible because: a. while the wave is moving, some water molecules are traveling in closed circles. b. the waves don't move as fast as speeding cannon balls, so the Coriolis effect has no influence on them. c. waves carry only energy, and energy has no mass, and is therefore not subject to Coriolis deflection. d. waves curve one way in the southern hemisphere and the other way in the northern hemisphere. Waves only look like they are coming in a straight line from their point of origin. It's all a gigantic optical illusion, actually.
c. waves carry only energy, and energy has no mass, and is therefore not subject to Coriolis deflection.
Generally the fastest and deepest ocean currents are: a. northern boundary currents. b. eastern boundary currents. c. western boundary currents. d. southern boundary currents.
c. western boundary currents
Tropical cyclones tend to move: a. equatorward in both hemispheres. b. eastward and poleward in both hemispheres. c. westward and poleward in both hemispheres. d. poleward in both hemispheres.
c. westward and poleward in both hemispheres.
The density of seawater will increase: a. when the temperature increases. b. when the salinity decreases. c. when the salinity increases. d. when dissolved gases increase.
c. when the salinity increases.
A ___________ is a gravity wave formed by the transfer of wind energy over the water. a. swell b. capillary wave c. wind wave d. tsunami
c. wind wave
Surface water extends to a depth of about _________. a. 600 meters b. 1,000 meters c. 50 meters d. 200 meters
d. 200 meters
The Earth's rotation influences currents by a "force" known as: a. Ekman spiral. b. geostrophism. c. gyre counter rotation. d. Coriolis effect.
d. Coriolis effect.
All of the following statements are true about an Ekman spiral EXCEPT: a. the net flow of a wind-driven surface current in the northern hemisphere will flow about 90 angle to the wind. b. with increasing depth, each layer will move at an angle to the overlying layer of water. c. because of Ekman transport, at some depth, known as the friction depth, water will be moving in the opposite direction from the surface current. d. Ekman spiral is not influenced by Coriolis.
d. Ekman spiral is not influenced by Coriolis.
In the world model of atmospheric circulation, the ________ cell is located nearest the equator. a. Doldrum b. Polar c. Ferrel d. Hadley
d. Hadley
Which ocean surface current transports the greatest volume of water? a. The Kuroshio (or Japan) Current b. The North Equatorial Current in the Pacific c. The South Equatorial Current in the Pacific d. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current
d. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Rogue waves are best described as: a. the highest waves of a tsunami. b. a breaking internal wave. c. a strong rocking motion within a harbor. d. a single massive wave that develops in the open ocean.
d. a single massive wave that develops in the open ocean.
During an El Niño event: a. the trade winds strengthen. b. the central eastern Pacific ocean becomes cooler. c. sea level falls in the central eastern Pacific ocean. d. a strong equatorial countercurrent develops in the Pacific.
d. a strong equatorial countercurrent develops in the Pacific.
The ocean is stratified with respect to: a. density b. temperature c. salinity d. all of these
d. all of these
The ultimate height of a wind wave will depend on: a. the fetch. b. the length of time the wind blows. c. the velocity of the wind. d. all of these
d. all of these
Tropical cyclones are also called: a. willi-willis. b. typhoons. c. hurricanes. d. all of these
d. all of these
Conditions that contributed to the destructive nature of Hurricane Katrina included all of the following EXCEPT: a. a huge storm surge. b. very strong winds, up to 125 miles per hour. c. very high levels of rainfall, up to 10 inches per hour. d. an exceptionally cold pocket of water over the Gulf of Mexico.
d. an exceptionally cold pocket of water over the Gulf of Mexico.
The first waves to form on the ocean surface when the wind starts to blow are: a. gravity waves. b. internal waves. c. swell. d. capillary waves.
d. capillary waves.
The long-term average of weather factors in a geographic region is called: a. weather. b. cyclonic circulation. c. Coriolis. d. climate.
d. climate.
Tsunami or seismic sea waves are generated by: a. storms at sea. b. tidal currents in the open sea. c. breaking internal waves. d. coastal or submarine earthquakes.
d. coastal or submarine earthquakes.
The components of ocean water whose proportions are NOT accounted for by the weathering of surface rocks are: a. residue surface constituents. b. trace elements. c. conservative constituents. d. excess volatiles.
d. excess volatiles.
Winds generally move across the United States: a. from north to south. b. from east to west. c. from south to north. d. from west to east.
d. from west to east.
The boundary between two air masses is called a(n): a. Hadley line. b. ITCZ. c. Hadley cell. d. front.
d. front.
The wavelength(s) of light that penetrate deepest into the ocean are: a. red and violet. b. red and yellow. c. blue and red. d. green and blue.
d. green and blue.
When the sun and moon are in a line with the Earth, the: a. gravitational attraction will be less. b. difference between high and low tides will be minimal. c. arrival of high tide will be delayed. d. highest high and lowest low tides will occur.
d. highest high and lowest low tides will occur.
The salinity of the ocean, at the present time, seems to be: a. increasing due to evaporation as the Earth warms up. b. decreasing due to several years of excessive rainfall. c. increasing due to pollution. d. in equilibrium, with dissolved components entering equal to dissolved components leaving.
d. in equilibrium, with dissolved components entering equal to dissolved components leaving.
As the wind velocity increases during a storm: a. the wave height increases. b. the wave velocity decreases. c. the wind tends to flatten the ocean surface. d. mass transport decreases in the open ocean.
d. mass transport decreases in the open ocean.
The height of the ocean averaged over a few years' time is called: a. mean high water. b. mean low water. c. tidal datum. d. mean sea level.
d. mean sea level.
Most deep water masses form: a. near the ocean floor in the arctic. b. near the ocean floor in the Antarctic. c. near the ocean surface in the arctic. d. near the ocean surface in the Antarctic.
d. near the ocean surface in the Antarctic.
The most abundant gaseous components of the Earth's atmosphere are: a. carbon dioxide and oxygen. b. nitrogen and hydrogen. c. nitrogen and carbon dioxide. d. nitrogen and oxygen.
d. nitrogen and oxygen
If you were standing on top of a high mid-Pacific island at 15 north latitude, from which direction would you expect the wind to come? (Hint: don't forget to consider Coriolis' effect!) a. north b. south c. northwest d. northeast
d. northeast
North Atlantic Deep Water generally moves ____ than the surface currents above, and flows in ____ direction as the Gulf Stream. a. faster; the same b. faster; the opposite c. slower; the same d. slower; the opposite
d. slower; the opposite
The two most abundant elements (ions) dissolved in seawater are: a. fluorine and iodine. b. gold and silver. c. bromine and boron. d. sodium and chloride.
d. sodium and chloride.
The ocean's deep sound channel (sofar layer) is characterized as a zone by all of the following EXCEPT: a. sound is horizontally concentrated rather than diffused as it moves through the water. b. acoustical energy losses are relatively small. c. sound waves travel great horizontal distances. d. sound velocity is at a maximum.
d. sound velocity is at a maximum.
The deepest layers of the ocean originate from: a. surface waters at low latitudes. b. bottom waters at low latitudes. c. waters of the Mediterranean Sea. d. surface waters especially at high latitudes.
d. surface waters especially at high latitudes.
The principle of constant proportions states: a. that the total amount of dissolved solids in the ocean is a constant. b. that the salinity of the ocean is a constant. c. that the excess volatile ratio of the ocean is a constant. d. that the ratio of major salts in samples of seawater from various places is a constant.
d. that the ratio of major salts in samples of seawater from various places is a constant.
The power for tropical cyclones comes from: a. static electricity. b. warm and cool air masses colliding. c. the Coriolis effect. d. the condensation of warm, moist air.
d. the condensation of warm, moist air.
The rise and fall in sea level as a tide crest approaches and passes will cause a(n): a. tidal bore. b. tidal wave. c. ebb current. d. tidal current.
d. tidal current.
The zero point on a tide graph is called the: a. slack water point. b. mean sea level point. c. node point. d. tidal datum.
d. tidal datum.
Hadley atmospheric circulation cells are found at mid-latitudes.
false
Heat and temperature both measure random vibrations of an atom or a molecule.
false
Hurricanes are most common off the coast of Australia.
false
One example of horizontal water movement is called downwelling.
false
Oxygen is the primary component of air.
false
Red light is able to penetrate the water deepest.
false
The Gulf Stream is a current that runs south along the eastern coast of the United States.
false
The Kuroshio Current is an example of an eastern boundary current.
false
The change in the angle of the sun with latitude does not influence heating at Earth's surface.
false
The salinity of seawater is a measure of the amount of sodium and chloride in a water sample.
false
The wavelength of a wave is a measure of the highest part of the wave above the average water level.
false
There can only be one high tide and one low tide per tidal day for any given area.
false
Due to the Coriolis effect, objects are deflected to the right or clockwise in the northern hemisphere.
true
Equatorial upwelling occurs in westward-flowing equatorial surface currents.
true
For a wave, the longer the wavelength, the faster the wave energy will move through the water.
true
Geostrophic currents are primarily wind driven.
true
Internal waves commonly form at the base of the pycnocline.
true
Near the poles (both in the north and south) the jet stream flows west to east.
true
Scientists believe the global change in greenhouse gases is making the surface ocean fresher in high latitudes.
true
Swell is the result of wave separation or dispersion.
true
The North Atlantic gyre is composed of the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current, the Canary Current and the North Equatorial Current.
true
The density of seawater is affected by both temperature and salinity.
true
The energy that causes ocean waves to form is called a disturbing force.
true
The geometry of the covalent bonds shared by the hydrogen atoms and oxygen atom in a water molecule account for its polarity.
true
The pycnocline can occur at the same range of depths as a halocline.
true
The salinity of seawater can be calculated if the amount of chloride is known because the ratio of dissolved solids is constant.
true
The uneven heating of the surface of Earth results in atmospheric convection currents.
true
Thermohaline circulation is responsible for large-scale movements of ocean water and depends on both the salinity and the temperature of water.
true
Tidal friction is gradually slowing Earth's rotation.
true
Tides are long waves that are generated by gravity and inertia.
true
Tractive forces include gravitational forces from both the moon and the sun.
true
Transverse currents can flow eastward or westward.
true
A low tide corresponds to the trough of the wave.
true
The Coriolis effect causes objects moving in the northern hemisphere to veer off course: a. to the right, or clockwise when viewed from above. b. to the left, or counterclockwise when viewed from above. c. in an upward direction. d. in a downward direction.
a. to the right, or clockwise when viewed from above.
The components of ocean water whose quantities are less than 1 part per million (ppm) are considered: a. excess volatiles. b. Zwitterions. c. major constituents. d. trace elements.
d. trace elements.
England's weather is ____ than would be expected at that latitude because of the influence of surface currents. a. colder b. drier c. less humid d. warmer and wetter
d. warmer and wetter
Waves at the shore will start to break when the: a. water depth is about twice the wavelength. b. crest flattens into a rounded form. c. wave period increases to 15 seconds. d. water depth is about four-thirds the wave height.
d. water depth is about four-thirds the wave height.
The diameter of the orbits of water particles in a deep-water wave is equal to the: a. wavelength. b. wave period. c. wave velocity. d. wave height.
d. wave height.
Classification of waves depends on: a. depth and trough. b. wave height and wavelength. c. depth and wave height. d. wavelength and depth.
d. wavelength and depth.
A seiche is a short wave found in areas of the ocean farthest away from the continents.
false
A spring tide has a greater tidal range than a neap tide, and only occurs during the spring and summer months in each hemisphere.
false
A tidal or lunar day is every 24 hours.
false
A tsunami is a shallow water wave that moves at high speeds.
true
Air is a fluid that is never completely dry.
true
As carbon dioxide dissolves at the surface of the ocean, it combines chemically to form a weak acid called carbonic acid.
true
Cyclones do not arise over the South Atlantic because the water is too cold.
true
Cyclonic storms can form within or between air masses (a large body of air with a uniform density throughout).
true
In the open sea, tsunami reach an average wave height of about: a. 1 meter. b. 10 meters. c. 100 meters. d. 1,000 meters.
a. 1 meter.
Which of these is generally not an El Niño effect? a. A decline in the exotic species of fish and other forms of marine life in the affected waters. b. An increase in ocean surface temperature in the eastern Pacific. c. An increase in rainfall in west coastal countries or states of the American continents. d. An often catastrophic decrease in the commercial fisheries of the affected countries.
a. A decline in the exotic species of fish and other forms of marine life in the affected waters.
Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning a lunar day? a. A lunar day is shorter than a solar day. b. A lunar day represents the time between when the moon is highest in the sky and the next time it is highest in the sky. c. A lunar day is 24 hours 50 minutes. d. Because of the length of a lunar day, lunar tides usually arrive 50 minutes later each day.
a. A lunar day is shorter than a solar day.
Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning tides? a. Because tides travel across the ocean, the crests and troughs that cause high and low tides are very large. b. Tidal bulges are gravitational bulges that stay aligned with the moon or inertial bulges due to centrifugal force. c. The combined forces of gravity and inertia result in tides. d. The sun and the moon influence tides.
a. Because tides travel across the ocean, the crests and troughs that cause high and low tides are very large.
Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning capillary waves? a. Capillary waves can be important because they mix nutrients into surface waters. b. Capillary waves are the source of wind waves. c. Capillary waves form as friction stretches the water surface. d. Capillary waves form small ripples on the surface.
a. Capillary waves can be important because they mix nutrients into
The largest of the western boundary currents is the: a. Gulf Stream. b. California Current. c. East Pacific Gyre. d. Canary Current.
a. Gulf Stream.
Which of the following statements best characterizes neap tides? a. Neap tides occur when the moon, Earth and sun form a right angle. b. Neap tides represent extreme tidal ranges. c. Neap tides occur at the new and full moons every month. d. Neap tides correspond with the timing of spring tides.
a. Neap tides occur when the moon, Earth and sun form a right angle.
All of the following statements accurately describe Geostrophic gyres EXCEPT: a. One of the 6 gyres is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. b. Gyres are influenced by the Coriolis effect and the position of continental land masses. c. Gyres are formed by surface currents that flow in a continuous circuit around the 5 major basins. d. Sea level is higher in the middle of the gyre as a result of the pressure gradient and the Coriolis Effect.
a. One of the 6 gyres is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding sound in the ocean? a. Sound is scattered as it bounces off suspended particles in the water. b. Sound intensity increases as it moves through the ocean because of absorption. c. The speed of sound in the ocean is ten times less than the speed of sound in air. d. The speed of sound in the ocean decreases as temperature increases.
a. Sound is scattered as it bounces off suspended particles in the water.
Which of the following statements is FALSE considering thermohaline circulation? a. Thermohaline circulation is caused by even and steady global heating of the ocean. b. Thermohaline circulation is the result of heating of the ocean at lower latitudes and cooling at high latitudes. c. Thermohaline circulation is driven by density gradients. d. Thermohaline circulation transports tropical waters to polar regions.
a. Thermohaline circulation is caused by even and steady global heating of the ocean.
The hydrogen bonds of water molecules account for which of the following? a. Water is the universal solvent. b. Water has a low surface tension. c. Water has a low boiling point. d. Water has a low heat capacity.
a. Water is the universal solvent.
A zone in which the ocean's salinity changes rapidly with increasing depth is called: a. a halocline. b. a thermocline. c. a pycnocline. d. a metacline.
a. a halocline.
