Oceanography Chapters 7-11
In the figure above, which shows a cross section of the Atlantic Ocean extending from Greenland (north) to Antarctica (south). Which labeled layer represents a cold-water mass mixing with warmer water to create a water mass with intermediate density? A D E F G
E
Which type of current flow moves in a circular path around a subtropical convergence, reflecting Ekman transport, gravity, and the Coriolis effect?
Geostrophic circulation
Refer to the figure above. Which of the labeled currents are cool currents? F K C A H
K C H
Which of the following is true of surface water circulation near Antarctica?
Two circumpolar currents dominate it, one current that moves water to the east and one current that moves water to the west.
On a west coast in the Northern Hemisphere, what happens to surface waters when winds blow from the north? Upwelling occurs. Surface waters move southward, causing a strong coastal current. Surface waters move offshore. Downwelling occurs. Surface waters move onshore.
Upwelling occurs Surface waters move offshore
How do rip currents form?
Water builds up at the beach face and then moves away from shore in narrow currents.
Which phase(s) of the moon result in a low tidal range? full moon new moon blue moon first quarter moon third quarter moon
first quarter moon third quarter moon
Which of the following best describes a plunging breaker? occurs on steep slopes and releases all of its energy quickly on the shoreline releases its energy slowly over a long distance of the sea floor forms in the deep ocean and releases its energy before reaching the shoreline releases its energy progressively from one end to the other forms on moderately sloped shorelines to create curling crests
forms on moderately sloped shorelines to create curling crests
How many semidiurnal tides would you expect during one tidal period? one tide two tides three tides four tides
four tides
Cool ocean currents ___. are still warmer than the surrounding water generally flow along the east coasts of continents generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator are cooler than 15 degrees C
generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator
When swells from different storms run together, the waves clash, or interfere with one another, giving rise to ________.
interference patterns
What type of scale does the vertical, or y, axis use in this chart?
logarithmic
Compared with a solar day, a lunar day is ________.
longer than a solar day
What is the movement of sand down the beach called? sand surfing longshore drift longshore current longshore transport river of sand
longshore drift longshore transport river of sand
Which of the following processes is responsible for the movement of sand down the beach? backwash ebb current longshore transport swash rip current
longshore transport
Fluctuations in the flow of the Gulf Stream current result in curving loops of water known as __________. eddies meanders fronts
meanders
Imagine that you are caught in a rip current in the ocean. The best thing for you to do so that you won't drown is to __________.
swim sideways to the current before attempting to come ashore
In the SmartFigure's typical tidal curve for a bay, how many high and low tides are in one lunar day? two high tides and two low tides one high tide and one low tide one high tide and two low tides three high tides and two low tides two high tides and one low tide
two high tides and two low tides
How many spring and neap tides occur each month? two spring tides and two neap tides two spring tides and four neap tides one spring tide and one neap tide four spring tides and two neap tides four spring tides and four neap tides
two spring tides and two neap tides
How many diurnal tides would you expect during one tidal period? four tides two tides one tide three tides
two tides
When would the oceans experience the greatest tidal range? when Earth is in aphelion and the Moon is in perigee when Earth is in apogee and the Moon is in perigee when Earth is in perigee and the Moon is in perihelion when Earth is in aphelion and the Moon is in apogee when Earth is in perihelion and the Moon is in perigee
when Earth is in perihelion and the Moon is in perigee
Why do fish in Minamata Bay have such high methylmercury concentrations?
Methylmercury-laden wastewater was intentionally released into the ocean.
How does methylmercury make its way up the food chain?
phytoplankton to zooplankton to small fish to big fish
What material is illegal to dump anywhere in the ocean?
plastic
What factor(s) drive(s) Ekman transport? wind boat movement water temperature water salinity Coriolis effect
wind Coriolis Effect
Where did the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill occur?
Prince William Sound
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding neap tides? -Low tides are low. -Neap tides occur when solar tides and lunar tides are additive. -High tides are low. -Neap tides occur when there is a small tidal range. -Neap tides occur during first quarter moon and third quarter moon.
-High tides are low. -Neap tides occur when there is a small tidal range. -Neap tides occur during first quarter moon and third quarter moon.
Why is DDT still a concern today, even though it has now been banned in the United States for decades? -It breaks down into arsenic, which has been known to poison groundwater reservoirs. -Even a small amount of DDT has an extremely detrimental impact on marine organisms. -It is very toxic. -It is still found throughout the world's oceans. -It lasts a long time in the environment without breaking down.
-Even a small amount of DDT has an extremely detrimental impact on marine organisms. -It is very toxic. -It is still found throughout the world's oceans. -It lasts a long time in the environment without breaking down.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the cleanup of oil spills? -Due to advanced technologies, cleanup of oil spills is 100% effective. -Cleanup efforts can create new hazards. -Chemicals used in the cleanup leave the ocean cleaner than it was before the spill. -Cleaning up oil spills is expensive. -Cleaning up oil spills is difficult.
-Cleanup efforts can create new hazards. -Cleaning up oil spills is expensive. -Cleaning up oil spills is difficult.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding groins? -Groins are hard-stabilization structures that are always built perpendicular to shore. -Groins add sand to the beach. -Groins increase erosion on the downcurrent side. -Groins are natural features on the landscape. -Groins increase erosion on the downcurrent side.
-Groins are hard-stabilization structures that are always built perpendicular to shore. -Groins increase erosion on the downcurrent side. -Groins increase erosion on the downcurrent side.
In which direction does the surface current move in relation to the wind in the Southern Hemisphere? 90 degrees to the right 45 degrees to the left in the same direction 45 degrees to the right 90 degrees to the left
45 degrees to the left
How is a cave created in a cliff face along a sea coast? -Rivers emptying into the ocean deposit sediment along the sea coast, which then carves caves in the sea cliff. -Underground caves expand until they reach the sea coast. -The spray of seawater results in salt accumulation on the cliff face, which dissolves rock material, resulting in caverns. -Wave action erodes areas of weakness in rock in a sea cliff. -Irregular deposition of sediment along the shoreline sometimes results in hollow areas where waves carry off material, rather than allowing accumulation.
-Wave action erodes areas of weakness in rock in a sea cliff.
When is the current moving into or out of the bay moving at its fastest velocity? -during the flood current between higher low water and higher high water -during the ebb current between lower high water and higher low water -during high slack water -during the ebb current between higher high water and lower low water -during low slack water
-during the ebb current between higher high water and lower low water
In one solar day, how far does the Moon move around the Earth? 1 complete revolution 1/6th of a complete revolution 1/12th of a complete revolution 28 complete revolutions 1/28th of a complete revolution
1/28th of a complete revolution
Approximately how long does it take the tide wave in each cell to complete one rotation? 2 hours 6 hours 12 hours 24 hours 1 hour
12 hours
During what time period(s) is the tide going out in the figure? 18 to 24 lunar hours 6 to 18 lunar hours 6 to 12 lunar hours 12 to 18 lunar hours 0 to 6 lunar hours
12 to 18 lunar hours 0 to 6 lunar hours
When was DDT banned in the United States?
1972
As shown in NASA satellite data, in what years were the two most recent strong El Niño events? 1976 and 2002 1980 and 2005 1997-1998 and 2015 2012 and 2014 2005 and 2015
1997-1998 and 2015
If today high tide is at 1:00 p.m., what time will the same high tide be tomorrow? 12:10 p.m. 12:35 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:50 p.m. 1:25 p.m.
1:50 p.m.
How much oil was released by the Deepwater Horizon spill?
2.4 million gallons per day for more than three months
What is the speed in meters per second of a deep water wave with a wavelength of 5 meters?
2.8 meters per second
In general, what do beaches look like at the end of summer? Beaches tend to have a wide berm and no longshore bar. Beaches tend to have wide berm and a prominent longshore bar. Beaches tend to have a narrow berm and a prominent longshore bar. Beaches tend to have a narrow berm and no longshore bar.
Beaches tend to have a wide berm and no longshore bar.
Which current below would be expected to have a width on the order of 300 kilometers (186.4 miles) and a speed on the order of 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) per day? Kuroshio Current All western boundary currents Brazil Current Gulf Stream Benguela Current
Benguela Current
Which current that flows along the equator is driven by a difference in sea level caused by ocean circulation patterns? South Equatorial Current in the North Pacific Gyre North Equatorial Current in the North Atlantic Gyre Equatorial Countercurrent in the Pacific Ocean South Equatorial Current in the Indian Ocean Gyre North Equatorial Current in the North Pacific Gyre
Equatorial Countercurrent in the Pacific Ocean
The North Equatorial Current is an example of which of the following types of currents?
Equatorial Current
The South Equatorial Current is an example of which of the following types of currents?
Equatorial Current
How often does the absolute maximum spring tidal range occur?
Every 1600 years
What is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation? F = Gm1m2/r2 P = mv F = ma F = m1m2/r F = m1m2/r2
F = Gm1m2/r2
Which of the following currents contributes to the South Eastern United States being humid?
Gulf Stream
What happens to river runoff as it enters the ocean?
It floats on the surface
Which type of landform is particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation? -Large volcanic islands are particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation. -Rainforests are particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation. -Rivers are prone to mega-tsunami generation. -Deserts are particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation. -Large-scale floodplains are particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation.
Large volcanic islands are particularly prone to mega-tsunami generation.
The Gulf Stream transports warm water into the __________. South Atlantic Gulf of Mexico North Atlantic Eastern Atlantic Caribbean Sea
North Atlantic
Which of the following beach compartment-to-submarine canyon affiliations is incorrect? Santa Monica: Redondo Oceanside: La Jolla San Pedro: Newport Santa Barbara: Hueneme and Mugu Redondo: Mugu
Redondo: Mugu
What is the salinity profile in areas of the coastal ocean where there is a dry offshore wind?
Salinity is high at the top, decreases rapidly through the halocline, then remains constant to the bottom of the water column.
What is the salinity profile in areas of the coastal ocean where there is river runoff?
Salinity is low at the top, increases rapidly through the halocline, then remains constant to the bottom of the water column.
Where do some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will likely occur? -Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will occur in the Lord Howe Islands. -Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island landslide will occur in the Bahamas. -Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will occur on the barrier islands off the coast of Texas. -Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will occur in the Canary Islands. -Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will occur in the Channel Islands.
Some scientists believe the next major volcanic island mega-tsunami-generating landslide will occur in the Canary Islands.
What will happen to the crust as a glacier grows?
The crust under the glacier will sink into the mantle.
If high tide is occurring along cotidal line 6, where is low tide occurring? at the amphidromic point along cotidal line 12 along cotidal line 4 along cotidal line 0 opposite of cotidal line 6 in the cell
along cotidal line 12 along cotidal line 0
The tides in each cell rotate around which of the following? mid-ocean ridges amphidromic points subtropical convergence zones Ekman transport centers Earth's barycenter
amphidromic points
Refraction causes headlands to be areas of ________ surfing and sites of ________.
good; erosion
Which of the following items is/are illegal to dump within 3 to 12 miles of the shore? plastic, ground to less than 1 inch food, ground to less than 1 inch metal, ground to less than 1 inch dunnage, ground to less than 1 inch glass, ground to less than 1 inch
metal, ground to less than 1 inch dunnage, ground to less than 1 inch
Which of the following are by-products of an oil slick? tar cake tar cream methane vapor tarballs mousse
methane vapor tarballs mousse
One wave has a wavelength of 2 meters (6.6 feet) and a wave height of 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). A second wave has a wavelength of 6 meters (20 feet) and a wave height of 1 meter (3.3 feet). What is likely to happen if the two waves collide? wave refraction mixed interference a rogue wave constructive interference destructive interference
mixed interference
What is a typical tsunami wavelength? 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) 0.2 kilometers (0.1 mile) more than 200 kilometers (124.3 miles) 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) 0.02 kilometers (0.01 mile)
more than 200 kilometers (124.3 miles)
Which of the following conditions would be expected for the eastern Pacific during an El Niño event? sea level rise a deeper thermocline floods excellent fishing reversed Walker circulation
sea level rise a deeper thermocline floods reversed Walker circulation
Which of the following would cause wave reflection? the pillars from a pier extending out over the water coral reef the legs of a person standing in the water sea wall jetty
sea wall jetty
What causes the three different types of breakers? erosion of the shoreline the intensity of the wind at the surface gravity the size of the approaching wave the steepness of the beach slope
the steepness of the beach slope
What is the wave period? the lowest part of the wave the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave the highest part of the wave
the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point
What is longshore transport?
the transport of sand and other sediment in a zigzag pattern down the beach
The speed of a shallow-water wave is proportional to ________.
water depth
What determines the speed of shallow-water waves? water depth wave height water temperature wave steepness wavelength
water depth
The ________ is the vertical distance between a crest and a trough.
wave height
A friend is considering purchasing a vacation home on a barrier island. Given what you've learned about the impact of waves on coastal landforms, what information and advice could you offer your friend? -A home on a barrier island is likely to take the full brunt of storm waves, making it a risky proposition. Your friend should think twice before purchasing. -Because the barrier island is close to a larger landmass, it will be more protected from storms and waves. Your friend should definitely make the purchase. -Barrier islands are stationary due to the constant addition and removal of sand balancing out. Your friend should snap up the property quickly. -Barrier islands tend to experience significant erosion and deposition of sand. Mitigating these effects is extremely difficult and costly. Your friend would be wise to reconsider.
-A home on a barrier island is likely to take the full brunt of storm waves, making it a risky proposition. Your friend should think twice before purchasing. -Barrier islands tend to experience significant erosion and deposition of sand. Mitigating these effects is extremely difficult and costly. Your friend would be wise to reconsider.
How does a sea stack form? -A stack is an uplifted area along, but not connected to, a sea cliff. -A stack forms when a relatively flat area is left behind by erosion waves against the base of a sea cliff. -A stack is a pile of boulders eroded from a sea wall that accumulate in a pile because of wave action. -A stack is formed by the accumulation of sand, initially as a sand bar, which grows until it forms a stack. -A stack forms when a sea arch collapses, leaving a vertical column of rock offshore.
-A stack forms when a sea arch collapses, leaving a vertical column of rock offshore.
How is an arch formed along a sea coast? -Coastal deposition of rock material by wave action creates a headland, which is then eroded, forming an arch. -Wave erosion cuts away both sides of a sand bar, resulting in an arch. -Weather-eroded arches located inland are inundated by sinking coastal areas. -An arch forms when a tunnel is eroded between separate sand dunes along a cliff face, connecting them. -An arch forms when a sea cave breaks through a headland or where two sea caves coalesce as they erode back due to wave action.
-An arch forms when a sea cave breaks through a headland or where two sea caves coalesce as they erode back due to wave action.
Why are internal waves usually associated with a pycnocline? -Because marine life is concentrated along the pycnocline. -Because a pycnocline is a boundary between two different water masses with different densities. -Because a pycnocline always occurs at the ocean surface. -Because a pycnocline always occurs near the ocean floor, even in deep water. -Because after an earthquake on the sea floor, a pycnocline is transmitted vertically from the deep ocean floor to the surface.
-Because a pycnocline is a boundary between two different water masses with different densities.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the lunar day and the solar day? -Earth's rotation on its axis is why we experience day and night. -A lunar day is the time it takes for a location on Earth that is directly underneath the Moon to make one rotation and reach the same location directly underneath the Moon. -The tides follow the solar day. -It takes 50 minutes for a given location on Earth to "catch up" to the Moon. -One solar day is the time it takes for Earth to make one complete revolution around the Sun.
-Earth's rotation on its axis is why we experience day and night. -A lunar day is the time it takes for a location on Earth that is directly underneath the Moon to make one rotation and reach the same location directly underneath the Moon. -It takes 50 minutes for a given location on Earth to "catch up" to the Moon.
Which of the following statements regarding a highly stratified estuary is/are true? -Puget Sound is an example of a highly stratified estuary. -Highly stratified estuaries are characterized by a strong halocline. -Highly stratified estuaries are characterized by estuarine circulation, in which river water flows toward the ocean and ocean water flows toward the head of the estuary. -Highly stratified estuaries have a mixed zone. -Highly stratified estuaries are common along glaciated or previously glaciated coastlines.
-Highly stratified estuaries are characterized by a strong halocline. -Highly stratified estuaries are characterized by estuarine circulation, in which river water flows toward the ocean and ocean water flows toward the head of the estuary. -Highly stratified estuaries are common along glaciated or previously glaciated coastlines.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the danger levels of mercury poisoning? -It is considered an "extreme danger" to eat large amounts of fish if the methylmercury concentrations in the fish are very high. -It is considered a "possible hazard" to eat small quantities of fish if methylmercury concentrations in the fish are high. -It is considered "safe" to eat large quantities of fish if methylmercury concentrations in the fish are low. -It is considered a "danger" to eat tuna and swordfish even in small quantities. -It is considered a "safe level" to eat small quantities of fish if methylmercury concentrations in those fish are low.
-It is considered an "extreme danger" to eat large amounts of fish if the methylmercury concentrations in the fish are very high. -It is considered a "possible hazard" to eat small quantities of fish if methylmercury concentrations in the fish are high. -It is considered a "safe level" to eat small quantities of fish if methylmercury concentrations in those fish are low.
Why are the idealized high tides at the equator all about the same height? -Locations at the equator pass through the same part of the two tidal bulges with each high tide. -Locations at the equator pass through different parts of the two tidal bulges with each high tide. -The equator does not pass through the tidal bulges. -Water at the equator cannot move as fast because it is hot. -The equator goes all the way around Earth.
-Locations at the equator pass through the same part of the two tidal bulges with each high tide.
What happens to a barrier island as sea level rises? -The elevation of the barrier flat increases as sand is pushed up higher. -Peat deposits are exposed on the ocean beach side of the barrier island. -Erosion on the lagoon side increases, and erosion on the ocean beach side decreases. -The island moves farther away from land. -Structures on the island are at risk due to increased erosion.
-Peat deposits are exposed on the ocean beach side of the barrier island. -Structures on the island are at risk due to increased erosion.
Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so deadly? -People did not immediately evacuate following the offshore earthquake. -Indian Ocean tsunami are relatively rare. -People did not recognize the signs of an approaching tsunami. -Wave heights exceeded 200 meters (656 feet). -The largest crest of the wave arrived first.
-People did not immediately evacuate following the offshore earthquake. -Indian Ocean tsunami are relatively rare. -People did not recognize the signs of an approaching tsunami.
What is the difference between perihelion and aphelion? -Perihelion is when Earth is closest to the Moon, and aphelion is when it is farthest from the Moon. -Perihelion is when Earth is closest to the Sun, and aphelion is when it is farthest from the Moon. -Perihelion is when the Moon is closest to the Sun, and aphelion is when it is farthest from the Sun. -Perihelion is when Earth is farthest from the Sun, and aphelion is when it is closest to the Sun. -Perihelion is when Earth is closest to the Sun, and aphelion is when it is farthest from the Sun.
-Perihelion is when Earth is closest to the Sun, and aphelion is when it is farthest from the Sun.
Why is plastic debris such a big problem in the ocean? -Plastics float and are not readily biodegradable. -Plastics absorb and concentrate toxins from the seawater and poison marine life when ingested. -It photodegrades into small pieces that are ingested by marine organisms and birds. -Marine organisms and birds become entangled in plastic debris. -There is so much plastic in the ocean that it is creating a new island in the Pacific Ocean called the East Pacific Garbage Patch.
-Plastics float and are not readily biodegradable. -Plastics absorb and concentrate toxins from the seawater and poison marine life when ingested. -It photodegrades into small pieces that are ingested by marine organisms and birds. -Marine organisms and birds become entangled in plastic debris.
Which of the following statements regarding a vertically mixed estuary is/are true? -Vertically mixed estuaries are deep and have a high volume. -River water mixes evenly with ocean water at all depths in a vertically mixed estuary. -Salinity is uniform from the top of the water column to the bottom in a vertically mixed estuary. -Salinity lines curve due to the Coriolis effect in a vertically mixed estuary. -Salinity decreases from the head of the estuary to the mouth in a vertically mixed estuary.
-River water mixes evenly with ocean water at all depths in a vertically mixed estuary. -Salinity is uniform from the top of the water column to the bottom in a vertically mixed estuary. -Salinity lines curve due to the Coriolis effect in a vertically mixed estuary.
Which of the following statements regarding a slightly stratified estuary is/are true? -Stratified estuaries have a saltier upper layer and a fresher lower layer. -Salinity lines curve due to the Coriolis effect in a stratified estuary. -Delaware Bay is an example of a stratified estuary. -Salinity increases from the head to the mouth in a stratified estuary. -Stratified estuaries have a mixed zone.
-Salinity lines curve due to the Coriolis effect in a stratified estuary. -Salinity increases from the head to the mouth in a stratified estuary. -Stratified estuaries have a mixed zone.
Which of the following statements regarding a salt wedge estuary is/are true? -Salt wedge estuaries are characterized by a strong halocline. -Salinity is uniform from the top of the water column to the bottom in a salt wedge estuary. -Salt wedge estuaries are common at the mouths of deep, high-volume rivers. -Fjords are examples of salt wedge estuaries. -Salt wedge estuaries are characterized by estuarine circulation, in which river water flows toward the ocean and ocean water flows toward the head of the estuary.
-Salt wedge estuaries are characterized by a strong halocline. -Salt wedge estuaries are common at the mouths of deep, high-volume rivers. -Salt wedge estuaries are characterized by estuarine circulation, in which river water flows toward the ocean and ocean water flows toward the head of the estuary.
Which of the following statements regarding the causes of oil and natural (methane) gas seeps and spills is/are correct? -Some oil slicks are caused by natural oil seeps on the ocean floor. -Some oil slicks are caused by tarballs that rise to the surface and mix with seawater. -Some natural (methane) gas is released into the atmosphere via natural gas seeps on the ocean floor. -Some oil slicks are caused by oil spills on the ocean surface. -Some natural (methane) gas is released into the atmosphere via photooxidation of surface oil slicks.
-Some oil slicks are caused by natural oil seeps on the ocean floor. -Some natural (methane) gas is released into the atmosphere via natural gas seeps on the ocean floor. -Some oil slicks are caused by oil spills on the ocean surface. -Some natural (methane) gas is released into the atmosphere via photooxidation of surface oil slicks.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding subtropical convergence? -Subtropical convergence causes a bulge of surface water that can be as high as 2 meters. -Subtropical convergence is caused by the clockwise rotation of each gyre in the northern hemisphere. -Subtropical convergence is caused by the clockwise rotation of each gyre in the southern hemisphere. -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. -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.
-Subtropical convergence causes a bulge of surface water that can be as high as 2 meters. -Subtropical convergence is caused by the clockwise rotation of each gyre in the northern hemisphere. -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.
Why is the idealized highest high tide at 28 degrees south latitude delayed by 12 hours from the highest high tide at 28 degrees north latitude? -That is how long it takes for the location at 28 degrees south latitude to make one complete rotation. -Twelve hours is half of a day, so it takes 12 hours for the tides to catch up. -That is how long it takes for the location at 28 degrees south latitude to rotate into the tail end of the high tide bulge. -The locations are at different latitudes, so they experience different idealized tidal patterns. -That is how long it takes for the location at 28 degrees south latitude to rotate into the largest part of the high tide bulge.
-That is how long it takes for the location at 28 degrees south latitude to rotate into the largest part of the high tide bulge.
At 28 degrees north latitude, why are some idealized high tides higher and some high tides lower? -The tidal bulge directly beneath the Moon is smaller than the tidal bulge directly opposite the Moon. -The climate here is variable. -The tidal bulges are rarely centered on the equator, so this location passes through different parts of the two tidal bulges. -There is more interference from land during the lower high tides. -There are magnetic anomalies here that counteract the lower high tide.
-The tidal bulges are rarely centered on the equator, so this location passes through different parts of the two tidal bulges.
How would a beach be affected if a wide berm were protected from erosion during winter months? -The wintertime beach would look similar to the summertime beach. -The wintertime beach would look similar to the summertime beach, but with a longshore bar. -The wintertime beach would look similar to the summertime beach, but with a narrow berm. -The wintertime beach would look similar to any other wintertime beach.
-The wintertime beach would look similar to the summertime beach.
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Earth and the Moon? -During a first quarter moon and a third quarter moon, the lunar and solar tidal bulges are additive. -The solar tidal bulges are larger than the lunar tidal bulges because the Sun is larger than the Moon. -A new moon is one that you can't see because Earth is between the Moon and the Sun. -There are two lunar tidal bulges and two solar tidal bulges. -Earth rotates counterclockwise on its axis, or from west to east.
-There are two lunar tidal bulges and two solar tidal bulges. -Earth rotates counterclockwise on its axis, or from west to east.
As illustrated on the left side of the SmartFigure tide graph, why is the idealized high tide at 28 degrees north latitude higher than the corresponding high tide at 28 degrees south latitude? -Landmasses get in the way of the tides in the Southern Hemisphere. -While the location at 28 degrees north latitude is experiencing a high tide, the location at 28 degrees south latitude is experiencing a low tide. -These two locations are passing through different parts of the same tidal bulge at the same time. -There are fewer landmasses in the Southern Hemisphere. -There is less water in the Southern Hemisphere.
-These two locations are passing through different parts of the same tidal bulge at the same time.
How do engineers decrease the amount of erosion caused by a groin? -They build taller groins. -They build more groins and place them perpendicular to each other along the beach. -They build longer groins. -They build wider groins. -They build more groins and place them parallel to each other along the beach.
-They build more groins and place them parallel to each other along the beach.
Which of the following statements comparing a tidal power electricity-generating with a conventional thermal power plant is correct? -The initial cost of building a tidal power electricity-generating plant may are lower -Tidal power is considered a cleaner and renewable resource -The periodicity of the tides is an advantage of a tidal power electricity-generating plant. -The operating costs of a tidal power electricity-generating plant are higher. -Tidal power initially requires fossil or nuclear fuels to get started.
-Tidal power is considered a cleaner and renewable resource
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding wave refraction? -Wave refraction occurs only in deep water. -Wave refraction causes sand to be deposited in bays, where wave energy is lower. -Wave refraction is the bending of waves that occurs when waves approach the shore at an angle. -Wave refraction explains why all waves come almost straight in toward a beach, no matter what their original angle was. -Refraction occurs when the part of the wave in shallow water slows down and the part of the wave in deeper water moves at its original speed.
-Wave refraction causes sand to be deposited in bays, where wave energy is lower. -Wave refraction is the bending of waves that occurs when waves approach the shore at an angle. -Wave refraction explains why all waves come almost straight in toward a beach, no matter what their original angle was. -Refraction occurs when the part of the wave in shallow water slows down and the part of the wave in deeper water moves at its original speed.
Which of the following statements is/are true concerning waves? -Waves are orbital. -Waves can travel long distances across the ocean. -Molecules of water move in a wave motion from one place to another in the opposite direction that the wave is traveling. -Molecules of water move in a wave motion from one place to another in the same direction that the wave is traveling. -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.
-Waves are orbital. -Waves can travel long distances across the ocean. -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.
Most waves approach shore at an angle. Why do they break almost parallel to shore? -The part of the wave in shallow water speeds up as the energy in the wave is released, causing the wave to straighten out. -Most shorelines are straight, so the waves straighten out as they break. -Waves transition from deep-water waves to shallow-water waves as hey approach the shore. -The part of the wave in shallow water slows down, while the part of the wave in deeper water moves at the same speed. -The wave bends due to wave refraction.
-Waves transition from deep-water waves to shallow-water waves as hey approach the shore. -The part of the wave in shallow water slows down, while the part of the wave in deeper water moves at the same speed. -The wave bends due to wave refraction.
How are winter beaches different from summer beaches? -Winter waves are short and shallower, whereas summer waves are long and high. -Winter waves are long and high, whereas summer waves are short and shallower. -Winter waves are short and high, whereas summer waves are long and shallower. -Winter waves are long and shallower, whereas summer waves are short and high.
-Winter waves are short and high, whereas summer waves are long and shallower.
If a cotidal line is labeled "1," what does this mean concerning the tides? -everywhere along the line has a high tide 1 hour before the moon passes over the Greenwich Meridian -everywhere along the line has a high tide 1 hour after the moon passes over the Greenwich Meridian -everywhere along the line has a low tide 1 hour after the moon passes over the Greenwich Meridian -everywhere along the line has a low tide 1 hour before the moon passes over the Greenwich Meridian -everywhere along the line has a high tide at one o'clock
-everywhere along the line has a high tide 1 hour after the moon passes over the Greenwich Meridian
What are swells? -waves that can travel hundreds of miles from the area where they originated -winds that are generated by a storm -waves that travel faster than the wind that created them -waves that are smaller than expected due to destructive interference -waves that are larger than expected due to constructive interference
-waves that can travel hundreds of miles from the area where they originated -waves that travel faster than the wind that created them
What is the concentration of DDT in seawater?
0.000003 parts per million
Estimates suggest that the global resource for wave energy lies between ________.
1-10 terawatts
What is the length of a lunar day? 14 days 12 hours 28 days 24 hours and 50 minutes 24 hours
24 hours and 50 minutes
The Sun is ________ times more massive than the Moon.
27 million
The Moon cycles between perigee, apogee, and back to perigee every ________.
27.5 days
The Earth-Moon distance varies by ________.
8%
What percent of marine debris is composed of plastic?
80%
Deep ocean currents occur in the deep zone below the pycnocline, so they influence about ________ of all ocean water.
90%
In the figure above, which shows a hypothetical tidal pattern over a 24-hour period. Which letter(s) represent(s) high tide? A B C D E
A C E
Which of the following waves cannot be observed from space? Internal waves Turbidity currents Wind Stress A wake from a small boat Tidal Movement
A wake from a small boat
In the United States, semidiurnal tides commonly occur along the ________.
Atlantic coast
In the figure above, assume black arrow (1) is the gravitational force and black arrow (2) is the centripetal force on the surface of a hypothetical planet. Which of the red arrows would represent the resultant force? A B C D E
B
In the figure above, which shows an irregularly shaped shoreline. At which labeled locations would you expect wave energy to be the highest due to wave refraction? A B C D E
B D
In general, what do beaches look like at the end of winter? Beaches tend to have a narrow berm and a prominent longshore bar. Beaches tend to have a wide berm and no longshore bar. Beaches tend to have wide berm and a prominent longshore bar. Beaches tend to have a wide berm and no longshore bar.
Beaches tend to have a narrow berm and a prominent longshore bar.
What is the difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification?
Bioaccumulation refers to the buildup of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in various tissues of a living organism. Biomagnification refers to the concentration of impurities as animals are eaten and the impurity is passed through food chains.
Which of the following are western boundary currents? Brazil Current East Australia Current West Australia Current Kuroshio Current California Current
Brazil Current East Australia Current Kuroshio Current
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding surface ocean currents? Surface currents curve to the right due to the Coriolis effect Eastern boundary currents are those off the east coast of each continent Cold currents flow at high latitudes or from higher latitudes toward the equator Equatorial currents are warm and equatorial countercurrents are cold Gyres in the Southern Hemisphere rotate counterclockwise
Cold currents flow at high latitudes or from higher latitudes toward the equator Gyres in the Southern Hemisphere rotate counterclockwise
Why does the crust subside slightly on either side of a melting glacier?
Crust under the glacier rises as the ice melts. This allows mantle on either side of the glacier to move to areas under the glacier.
Why do the lengths of the arrows in the Ekman spiral get shorter and shorter as you move deeper into the water column? Deeper water moves at a slower speed due to friction. The Coriolis effect weakens as depth increases. There is less water in each progressive layer. There is less light transmission with increased depth. The temperature gets colder with depth.
Deeper water moves at a slower speed due to friction.
In the figure above, which of the labeled currents are warm water currents? C K E F B
E F B
Why are western boundary currents intensified compared to eastern boundary currents? Earth rotates from east to west, pushing water more strongly toward the west. Earth rotates from west to east, pushing water more strongly toward the east. Earth rotates from east to west, pushing water more strongly toward the east. There is less friction from the continents on the western sides of the ocean basins. Earth rotates from west to east, pushing water more strongly toward the west.
Earth rotates from west to east, pushing water more strongly toward the west.
The Peru (Humboldt) Current is an example of which of the following types of currents?
Eastern Boundary Current
In the figure above, which shows a cross section of the Atlantic Ocean extending from Greenland (north) to Antarctica (south). Which labeled layer has the highest density? B D E F G
G
One of the world's most powerful currents, located off the east coast of the United States, is the __________. Kuroshio Current Gulf Stream Canary Current North Equatorial Current North Atlantic Current
Gulf Stream
Which ocean current is the strongest and fastest ocean current in the world? West Wind Drift California Current Canary Current Agulhas Current Gulf Stream
Gulf Stream
In the figure above, which of the labeled currents are shallow, weak, and slow currents? I A O H N
H N
In the figure above, which of the labeled ocean currents transport 10-15 Sv of water? M H N O F
H N
In the figure above, which of the labeled currents are eastern boundary currents? H N C G O
H N C
Besides where each type of wave is located, what is one of the most obvious physical differences between internal waves and surface waves? Internal waves are invisible while surface waves are not. Internal waves only occur during very special conditions. Internal waves have a much longer wavelength as compared to the shorter wavelength surface waves. Internal waves can only be measured by submarines. Internal waves are so deep in the ocean that they can't be measured.
Internal waves have a much longer wavelength as compared to the shorter wavelength surface waves.
When Laura illustrated the motion of the rubber duck in a swimming pool, what happened to the first duck? A hawk swooped down and grabbed it. It sank. It fell over. It lit up. It moved along with the wave and hit the side of the pool.
It fell over
During La Niña, what happens to the Pacific Warm Pool? It gets pushed farther west. It sinks. It causes warmer-than-normal temperatures in the eastern Pacific. It is pushed farther south. It floods across the Pacific along the equator.
It gets pushed further west
Why is Antarctic Bottom Water so dense? It is extremely fresh due to ice melt. It is cold and salty. It is only seasonally warmed by the sun. It is under immense pressure. It warms as it approaches the equator.
It is cold and salty.
Why was DDT intentionally released into the environment?
It was applied in swamps to kill mosquitos that spread malaria.
What is one of the best ways to recognize a rip current as viewed from above?
Look for turbid water caused by suspended sediment within the rip current.
Why does the crust uplift slightly on either side of a growing glacier?
Mantle under the glacier is pushed aside by sinking crust. This mantle pushes up the crust on either side of the glacier.
What geological phenomenon creates a mega tsunami? Mega tsunamis are waves created by landslides. Mega tsunamis are waves created by earthquakes. Mega tsunamis are waves created by strong winds. Mega tsunamis are waves created by hurricanes. Mega tsunamis are waves created by tornadoes.
Mega tsunamis are waves created by landslides.
In the figure above, which of the following labeled currents is/are part of the South Atlantic Gyre? N O L F M
N M
What causes wave reflection at "The Wedge" in Newport Beach? The unusual angle of the incoming waves. Newport Pier The unusual angle of the sandy coastline. Newport Harbor Newport Jetty
Newport Jetty
The North Pacific Current is an example of which of the following types of currents?
Northern Boundary Current
In the figure above, which of the labeled ocean currents are western boundary currents? O C K A I
O A I
Tidal ranges will be greatest when the Earth and the Moon are at ________.
Perihelion
What happens after a surface oil spill? The carbon dioxide in the oil evaporates into the atmosphere. Photooxidation occurs. Emulsification occurs. An oil slick is created. The oil sinks to the ocean floor within the first day.
Photooxidation occurs. Emulsification occurs. An oil slick is created.
________ has a curling crest that moves over an air pocket.
Plunging breaker
What process formed the submarine canyons off the Southern California coast?
Some were carved out by rivers when sea level was lower than it is at present, but most form from the erosive action of turbidity currents.
Which of the following statements is/are true concerning spring tides? Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned. Spring tides occur only during the spring season. Spring tides occur at first quarter moon and third quarter moon. Spring tides have high high tides. Spring tides have high low tides.
Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned. Spring tides have high high tides.
On a west coast in the Northern Hemisphere, what happens to surface waters when winds blow from the south? Surface waters move onshore. Surface waters move offshore. Downwelling occurs. Surface waters move northward, causing a strong coastal current. Upwelling occurs.
Surface waters move onshore. Downwelling occurs.
Why does the Moon reach perigee two days before it completes its 29-and-a-half-day lunar cycle? Earth's orbit around the Moon is elliptical. Earth's orbit around the Sun shifts position over time. The Moon's orbit around Earth shifts position over time. The Moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical. The Sun's orbit around Earth changes the position of the Moon's elliptical orbit.
The Moon's orbit around Earth shifts position over time.
Where on Earth is the centripetal force toward the Moon the greatest? at the North Pole at the zenith at the South Pole The centripetal force is the same everywhere on Earth. at the nadir
The centripetal force is the same everywhere on Earth.
According to the figure above, which organism has the highest concentration of DDT in their tissue due to biomagnification? How many times more concentrated is the DDT in the organism, compared to the water?
The osprey would have the highest concentration of DDT in its tissues. The concentration of DDT in the osprey would be 8,333,333 times higher than the concentration in the water.
What causes wave refraction? -Offshore sand bars that cause waves to break offshore. -The part of a wave in shallow water slows down, causing the wave to bend and line up nearly parallel to the shore. -Winds that blow for a long time offshore create an area where waves are generated. -Water piles up against a beach and then flows offshore against incoming waves. -A wave strikes a shallowly submerged underwater object.
The part of a wave in shallow water slows down, causing the wave to bend and line up nearly parallel to the shore.
During a visit to the beach, you get in a small rubber raft and paddle out beyond the surf zone. You become tired, so you stop and take a rest. Describe the movement of your raft beyond the surf zone. The raft's net movement is not toward the shore compared to the surf zone. The raft moves up and down vigorously due to the breaking of waves that are taller than waves in the surf zone. The raft moves in a circle, and it returns to essentially the same place. The raft will move toward shore along with the water particles underneath the raft.
The raft's net movement is not toward the shore compared to the surf zone. The raft moves in a circle, and it returns to essentially the same place.
Why does glacial subsidence NOT occur at the exact moment that a glacier forms?
The rate of subsidence is controlled by the rate at which mantle can flow.
How is a semidiurnal period related to a tidal day? The semidiurnal period is not related to a tidal day. The semidiurnal period is half as long as a tidal day. The semidiurnal period is about as long as a tidal day. The semidiurnal period is twice as long as a tidal day.
The semidiurnal period is half as long as a tidal day.
How does the tide cycle affect erosion along a sea coast? Sea coasts experience erosion only during low tides. Sea coast erosion is greatest during summer and winter. Sea coasts experience erosion only during high tides. The tide cycle causes erosion to occur at different elevations along a sea coast. Sea coast erosion is greatest during spring and autumn.
The tide cycle causes erosion to occur at different elevations along a sea coast.
What causes waves to refract as they approach the shore? The wave base begins to touch the sea floor. They speed up as they are pushed past the waves behind them. Their wavelengths get larger. The portion of the wave in shallow water speeds up while the portion of the wave in deep water slows down. They transition from deep-water waves to shallow-water waves.
The wave base begins to touch the sea floor. They transition from deep-water waves to shallow-water waves.
What triggers a wave traveling across the ocean to finally release its energy? -Waves get deeper as they progress across the ocean, until they can no longer contain their energy. -Breaking waves are formed when storm fronts produce wind energy out in the open ocean. -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. -Waves continually pick up speed as they rush into the surf zone and break.
The wave begins to interact with the sea floor as it moves into shallower water.
How do river runoff and dry offshore winds affect the coastal ocean when they are combined? They decrease deepwater salinity. They increase surface salinity. They increase mixing. They enhance the halocline. They increase rates of evaporation.
They increase mixing. They increase rates of evaporation.
How do dry offshore winds affect the coastal ocean? They increase rates of evaporation. They increase mixing. They decrease deepwater salinity. They support the formation of a halocline. They increase surface salinity.
They increase rates of evaporation. They support the formation of a halocline. They increase surface salinity.
When two waves with the same wavelength collide in phase, what happens? The waves cancel each other out. Wave heights are additive. Constructive interference occurs. The wave speed increases. Crests and troughs line up.
Wave heights are additive. Constructive interference occurs. Crests and troughs line up.
Which of the following statements about wave period is most accurate? Wave period is the inverse of wave height. Wave period is the inverse of wave frequency. Wave period is the inverse of wavelength. Wave period is the inverse of wave amplitude.
Wave period is the inverse of wave frequency.
While you are playing Frisbee in the surf zone with another person, your friend watches while sitting on the beach nearby. After a while, you look up at the beach and realize you are no longer directly in front of your friend, who remained stationary on the beach all the while—you are still in the surf zone, but 30 to 40 yards from where you started. What is the correct reason for this movement? One person must have continually overshot the Frisbee to move you further out to sea. Waves were coming at the shore at an angle. The longshore current moved downstream to that angle and pushed you in that direction. Waves were coming in to the shore straight on so the current carried you upstream. The beach moved opposite the angle of the waves.
Waves were coming at the shore at an angle. The longshore current moved downstream to that angle and pushed you in that direction.
How are wave period and wavelength related? Waves with shorter periods have shorter wavelengths. Waves with longer periods have shorter wavelengths. Waves with shorter periods have longer wavelengths.
Waves with shorter periods have shorter wavelengths.
Which of the following currents goes all the way around the world without being interrupted by land? East Wind Drift Labrador Current Equatorial Countercurrent North Equatorial Current West Wind Drift
West Wind Drift
What happens when a tsunami reaches the shoreline? -As the ocean shallows near the shoreline, the back of the wave slows down, causing the water to pile up and become a tower of water as it hits the shore. -When a tsunami reaches the shoreline, the front of the wave slows down, but the back of the wave is still traveling fast and pushes up against the front of the wave. -As the ocean shallows near the shoreline, both the front and back of the wave simultaneously speed up, causing the water to pile up and become a tower of water as it hits the shore. -As the ocean shallows near the shoreline, both the front and the back of the wave slow down, causing the water to pile up and become a tower of water as it hits the shore. -As a tsunami wave reaches the shoreline, the speed and size of the wave decrease.
When a tsunami reaches the shoreline, the front of the wave slows down, but the back of the wave is still traveling fast and pushes up against the front of the wave.
Which factor(s) below drive(s) and shape(s) the pattern of surface ocean currents? Wind Denisty Salinity Coriolis Effect Shape of the ocean basins
Wind Coriolis effect Shape of the ocean basins
In the figure above, if this is a western-facing coast of the Northern Hemisphere, which wind pattern would cause coastal downwelling? Wind A Wind B Wind C Wind D 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? Wind A Wind B Wind C Wind D All four wind patterns would cause coastal upwelling.
Wind C
What caused the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004? a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in the Java Trench a large landslide off the coast of Bali a 7.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Madagascar a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the nearby Himalayas an undersea eruption off the coast of Sri Lanka
a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in the Java Trench
What is an estuary? a body of water that is hypersaline a body of water that has a fast-flowing current a body of water where freshwater and saltwater mix an area of land that juts out into the ocean a body of water that is formed inside a cave
a body of water where freshwater and saltwater mix
What shape is formed by a parcel of water when a wave passes through it? a straight line a triangle a circle a wavy line a rectangle
a circle
How long does it take berms to become narrow and rocky after summer has passed? until summer begins again a few days until the end of winter a few weeks
a few weeks
What can cause a tsunami? a meteor impact on the ocean an undersea volcanic eruption an undersea landslide an undersea earthquake an extreme spring tide
a meteor impact on the ocean an undersea volcanic eruption an undersea landslide an undersea earthquake
Which of the following objects would appear to bob up and down with the waves in the ocean? a warning sign tightly anchored to the sea floor a plastic bottle a bird a surfer a person standing in shallow water
a plastic bottle a bird a surfer
What is a tsunami? a seismic sea wave a tidal wave a shallow-water wave caused by displacement of the water column a deep-water wave that is caused by an undersea earthquake a wave that is larger than expected due to constructive interference
a seismic sea wave a shallow-water wave caused by displacement of the water column
Surface ocean currents ___. are influenced by Coriolis effect form large rotating gyres in the major ocean basins are driven by winds transfer large amounts of heat from the high latitudes toward the equator
are influenced by Coriolis effect form large rotating gyres in the major ocean basins are driven by winds
Warm ocean currents ___. generally flow from high latitudes towards the equator are warmer than the surrounding water are warmer than 15 degrees Celsius generally flow along the west coasts of continents
are warmer than the surrounding water
Which areas experience the biggest difference in water level between high tide and low tide? areas farthest from the amphidromic points coastlines areas along cotidal line 0 areas on the amphidromic points areas along cotidal line 12
areas farthest from the amphidromic points
Where on Earth is the gravitational attraction toward the Moon the greatest? The gravitational attraction is the same everywhere on Earth. at the nadir at the South Pole at the zenith at the North Pole
at the zenith
Where is/are Earth's tidal bulge(s) located? at the Tropic of Cancer at the Arctic Circle at the zenith at the nadir at the equator
at the zenith at the nadir
In which area of a barrier island would you expect to find a woodland or forest? barrier flat high salt marsh low salt marsh dune ocean beach
barrier flat
Why is the length of a lunar day different from the length of a solar day? because Earth is larger than the Moon because the distance between Earth and the Moon is not constant because the Moon is smaller than the Sun because the Moon revolves around Earth in the opposite direction that Earth is rotating on its axis because the Moon revolves around Earth in the same direction that Earth is rotating on its axis
because the Moon revolves around Earth in the same direction that Earth is rotating on its axis
Which of the following process(es) explain why DDT concentrations in predators such as osprey or bald eagles are higher than the DDT concentrations in their prey? photooxidation biological evolution biotransformation bioaccumulation biomagnification
bioaccumulation biomagnification
Water rises from below to replace the water moving away from shore in a process called ________.
coastal upwelling
When a meander from the Gulf Stream pinches off into the warm water south of the current, the eddy is called a __________. cold-core eddy or ring geostrophic circulation cyclonic circulation Langmuir cell warm-core eddy or ring
cold-core eddy or ring
What causes the waves to be unusually high at "The Wedge" in Newport Beach? -constructive interference between reflected waves and incoming waves -rogue waves caused by constructive interference of swell waves -constructive interference between incoming waves and the incoming tide -constructive interference between incoming waves and the outgoing tide -tsunami caused by small undersea earthquakes in this area
constructive interference between reflected waves and incoming waves
Which of the following are true of western boundary currents? weak, as compared to eastern boundary currents wide, as compared to eastern boundary currents they flow along the more gradual slope of the hill of water deep, as compared to eastern boundary currents fast, as compared to eastern boundary currents
deep, as compared to eastern boundary currents fast, as compared to eastern boundary currents
What type of feature is a barrier island? tectonic depositional emergent erosional permanent
depositional
When two waves with the same wavelength collide out of phase, what happens? destructive interference constructive interference Crests and troughs cancel each other out. The wave speed decreases. Wave heights are additive.
destructive interference Crests and troughs cancel each other out.
Which force(s) drive(s) water circulation in the deep ocean? differences in water temperature differences in water density wind differences in water salinity differences in water pH
differences in water temperature differences in water density differences in water salinity
What are Earth's three different tidal patterns called? diurnal, semidiurnal, and mixed tidal, semitidal, and moderate tidal, semitidal, and mixed diurnal, semidiurnal, and moderate
diurnal, semidiurnal, and mixed
In the figure above, which shows an image of waves approaching a shoreline. If you were to go swimming in this location, in which direction would the longshore current push you? south west north down east
east
In the figure above, which shows an image of waves approaching a shoreline. In which overall direction is longshore drift moving the sand along this shoreline? Longshore drift moves sand in a zigzag pattern whereby it ends up in the same location where it started. west north east south
east
Where are barrier islands common? Japan west coast of South America east coast of the United States Gulf coast of the United States west coast of the United States
east coast of the United States Gulf coast of the United States
Equatorial currents that are part of the subtropical gyres flow ___. Equatorial counter currents between the gyres flow ___ . west to east; west to east east to west; west to east west to east; east to west east to west; east to west
east to west; west to east
Ocean frontal systems that spin off from currents such as the Gulf Stream, akin to atmospheric storms, are known as __________. meanders geostrophic flow eddies
eddies
What causes emulsification of an oil slick?
evaporation of the lighter components in the oil
What pattern of tides would you expect to see for a mixed tidal system? two tides of roughly equal heights two tides of different heights four tides of different heights four tides of roughly equal heights
four tides of different heights
Actual geostrophic flow is created by which of the following? differences in surface ocean temperature friction differences in surface ocean salinity gravity Coriolis effect
friction gravity Coriolis effect
Why does the west coast of South Africa have high biological productivity? low concentrations of phytoplankton high concentrations of nutrients in the surface water winds blowing away from shore lots of coastal upwelling lots of coastal downwelling
high concentrations of nutrients in the surface water lots of coastal upwelling
In which area(s) of a barrier island is peat formed? barrier flat dune high salt marsh ocean beach low salt marsh
high salt marsh low salt marsh
In the SmartFigure, what does HSW stand for? halting slow water hovering smooth water high slack water high-standing water high slowing water
high slack water
Which process causes downwelling off the coast of Antarctica? icebergs sinking mixing within the pycnocline ice formation ice melting seasonal warming
ice formation
How does mercury get into the ocean? harmful algal blooms rotting fruit industrial runoff burning fossil fuels improper disposal of batteries
industrial runoff burning fossil fuels improper disposal of batteries
What is currently the largest oil spill in recorded history?
intentional release during the Persian Gulf War
When a wave reflects off a barrier, at what angle will it bounce off the barrier? it will bounce off at an angle that is twice the original angle it will bounce off at an angle that is equal to the original angle it will bounce off at an angle that is parallel to the original angle it will bounce off at an angle that is the inverse of the original angle it will bounce off at an angle that is perpendicular to the original angle
it will bounce off at an angle that is equal to the original angle
What are groins typically composed of?
large blocks of rock and concrete
What caused the Deepwater Horizon spill?
natural gas explosion
There is destructive interference between the lunar and solar tidal bulges during ________ tides.
neap
In the figure above, showing a hypothetical groin along a coastline. The triangle extending between the groin and the land represents sediment deposited by the longshore current. In what direction is the longshore current moving? Assume up is north. north south There is no longshore current here. west east
north
Most of the year, and most of the time, the movement of sediment and water (longshore current) along the California coast is from __________. west to east south to north north to south east to west
north to south
Which of the following items is/are illegal to dump within 3 miles of the shore? plastic, ground to less than 1 inch food, ground to less than 1 inch metal, ground to less than 1 inch dunnage, ground to less than 1 inch glass, ground to less than 1 inch
plastic, ground to less than 1 inch food, ground to less than 1 inch metal, ground to less than 1 inch dunnage, ground to less than 1 inch glass, ground to less than 1 inch
The subtropical gyres ___. result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content) are only important because the currents affect ships crossing them drive the trade winds play a large role in climate
play a large role in climate
Waves that are breaking along the shore and are forming a curling crest over an air pocket are called ________.
plunging breakers
Which of the following is/are responsible for releasing oil into the ocean? purposeful release by humans natural seeps leaks during offshore drilling spills during transport by ship fissure eruptions
purposeful release by humans natural seeps leaks during offshore drilling spills during transport by ship
Deep ocean currents ___. include deep water that rises in the North Atlantic and surface water that sinks in the Pacific and Indian Oceans result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content) are primarily driven by wind patterns
result from changes in water density (due to temperature and salt content)
Which of the following conditions would you expect to find off the coast of Peru under normal, or neutral, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions? strong coastal winds blowing southward downwelling shallow thermocline dry, clear conditions abundant anchovies
shallow thermocline dry, clear conditions abundant anchovies
If you wanted to avoid the effects of the biomagnification of certain marine pollutants, such as methylmercury, which of the following organisms would you want to avoid consuming?
shark, such as mako
What are submarine canyons?
steep-sided valleys cut into the continental slope
What disturbing force is responsible for most ocean waves that eventually break on shore? tectonic movements generated from inside Earth massive migrations of marine animals rising to the surface gravitational attraction of the Moon storm-generated winds that blow across the surface impact of precipitation hitting the surface during strong storms
storm-generated winds that blow across the surface
Which of the following is/are part of a beach compartment? submarine canyon beach river wind continental rise
submarine canyon beach river
What type of breaker would pose the most danger to people playing or swimming in the surf zone? spilling breakers plunging breakers surging breakers gradual breakers curling breakers
surging breakers
Wave refraction is __________. the bouncing back of wave energy the overlapping of different wave sets also known as an internal wave the bending of waves another name for a seismic sea wave or tsunami
the bending of waves
What is the coastal tidal range? the difference in maximum tide height between perigee and apogee the difference in maximum tide height between successive high tides the difference in sea level between a successive high and low tide the difference in maximum tide height between perihelion and aphelion the height of sea level when high tide hits the shoreline
the difference in sea level between a successive high and low tide
What is the wavelength? the lowest part of the wave the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave the highest part of the wave
the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs
What is the wave height? the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs the lowest part of the wave the highest part of the wave the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point
the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave
What causes variation in Earth's tides over time? the orbits of the Moon around the Sun, and the Sun around Earth the elliptical orbit of Earth around the Sun the elliptical orbits of the Moon around Earth, and Earth around the Sun the elliptical orbit of the Moon around Earth the elliptical orbit of Earth around the Sun and Moon
the elliptical orbits of the Moon around Earth, and Earth around the Sun
What is the crest of a wave? the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point the lowest part of the wave the highest part of the wave
the highest part of the wave
What is the trough of a wave? the distance between the highest and lowest part of the wave the time it takes for one wavelength of a wave to pass a particular point the distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs the highest part of the wave the lowest part of the wave
the lowest part of the wave
The El Niño Southern Oscillation can best be described as ________.
the relationship between sea surface temperature and changing atmospheric pressure
What is isostasy?
the rising and sinking of Earth's crust relative to the mantle in response to the redistribution of mass on the surface
What causes western intensification? the rotation of Earth from west to east Ekman transport the clockwise rotation of earth Upwelling the rotation of Earth from east to west
the rotation of Earth from west to east
Which of the following are true of eastern boundary currents? they flow along the more gradual slope of the hill of water deep, as compared to western boundary currents wide, as compared to western boundary currents weak, as compared to western boundary currents fast, as compared to western boundary currents
they flow along the more gradual slope of the hill of water wide, as compared to western boundary currents weak, as compared to western boundary currents
For how long will land rebound after a glacier melts?
thousands of years
What do we call the time that passes between two high tides? tidal day tidal datum tidal period tidal range
tidal period
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? toward A toward B toward C toward D toward E
toward D
Refer the figure above. In which direction would the entire surface current underneath the Greenland iceberg be expected to travel? toward A toward B toward C toward D toward E
toward E
What causes longshore transport? the Coriolis effect wave reflection tsunami wave refraction wave interference
wave refraction
What determines the speed of deep-water waves? wave height wavelength water temperature water depth wave steepness
wavelength
When does constructive interference occur? -when a larger wave flows over the top of a smaller wave -when waves with the same wavelength collide in phase -when waves with the same wave height travel side by side -when two small waves move away from each other to create a flat ocean surface -when waves with the same wave height collide and cancel each other out
when waves with the same wavelength collide in phase
Which of the following conditions would be expected for the western Pacific during an El Niño event? wildfires weaker trade winds high atmospheric pressure floods a shallower thermocline
wildfires weaker trade winds high atmospheric pressure
The largest wind-generated waves tend to be associated with the ________.
westerlies
