OCS 2005- Mid term

river flow

A bird's foot delta is a classic elongate delta that is dominated by which of the following forces? a. Tides. b. Rivers and waves. c. River flow. d. Waves

northatlantic current

A continuation of the flow of warm water northeast towards Europe.

Gulf Stream

A current in the Gulf of Mexico that bulges northward and forms eddies.

highly stratified

A fjord would have what type of estuarine circulation pattern? a. highly stratified b. salt wedge c. partially mixed d. well mixed

florida current

A strong oceanic current flowing northward along the eastern coast of Florida.

loop current

A western boundary current that begins offshore of Cape Hatteras and flows past eastern Canada

6 to 11 months

19. Typically, the Loop Current produces a new eddy every: a. 2 to 3 weeks b. 2 to 3 months c. 6 to 11 months d. 1 to 2 years

all of these answers are true

21. In oceanography, why do we measure sea surface height to understand currents? a. It is easier to measure the sea surface height since it can be done through remote sensing (satellites) which will allow complete areal coverage. b. Pressure, and therefore geostrophic currents, can be calculated from sea surface height because geostrophic currents follow lines of constant pressure. c. Sea surface height, temperature, and prevailing winds can be plugged into physical ocean models to estimate currents. d. All of these answers are true.

When the Loop Current is contracted after forming an eddy, there is strengthening of the Florida Current.

22. Which of the following is true about the relationship between the Loop Current and the Florida Current? a. When the Loop Current is expanded into the Gulf, there is strengthening of the Florida Current. b. When the Loop Current is contracted after forming an eddy, there is strengthening of the Florida Current. c. When the Loop Current is expanded into the Gulf, the Florida Current cools substantially. d. Characteristics of the Loop Current are not associated with the characteristics of the Florida Current.

The Florida Current and Gulf Stream bring heat to the east coast of North America.

23. How do the currents making up the North Atlantic Gyre influence heat transfer in the Atlantic Ocean? a. The Florida Current and Gulf Stream bring heat to the east coast of North America. b. The North Atlantic Current brings heat to the west coast of Africa. c. At the pole, warm water sinks and travels to the equator. d. Influx of water from the equator occasionally reverses the flow of the North Atlantic Gyre, causing cooling at the poles.

Both Ireland and the Caribbean, linked by a major British sailing route made possible by the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current, were colonized by the British, and themes of oppression are evident in the literature of both cultures.

24. How did major oceanographic features in the North Atlantic lead indirectly to commonalities between Irish and Caribbean cultures, as evidenced by common themes in literature? More than one answer may be at least partially correct, but please choose the response that best reflects what we have learned in class. a. Irish prisoners were often transported to the British colonies in the Caribbean, and many Caribbean people can trace their ancestry back to the Irish, leading to a melding of cultures and literature styles. b. The Gulf Current and North Atlantic Current link the Caribbean and Ireland, allowing for efficient travel across the Atlantic Ocean and a mixing of cultures, and leading to a common inspiration for literature. c. Both Ireland and the Caribbean, linked by a major British sailing route made possible by the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current, were colonized by the British, and themes of oppression are evident in the literature of both cultures. d. Both Ireland and the Caribbean are situated along the edges of the North Atlantic Gyre, and both cultures value sea travel, coastal landscapes, and adventure, which is evident in their literature.

natural high areas, to withstand flooding.

27. Native American mounds were built strategically, over: a. battle grounds, to honor the dead. b. fertile grounds, so residents could have productive farms. c. natural high areas, to withstand flooding. d. all of these answers are true.

Periods of increased frequencies of ENSO events.

28. The Watson Brake mounds were built in stages that coincide with which phenomenon? a. Catastrophic outbreak of disease. b. Widespread marsh fires. c. Periods of increased frequencies of ENSO events. d. Major hurricanes.

Relied heavily on hunting terrestrial game.

30. Unlike mound builders, indigenous Australians: a. Developed a complex society. b. Relied heavily on hunting terrestrial game. c. Were seasonally nomadic. d. Had extensive trade networks.

The Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed oligotrophic sea, and could not support highly productive fisheries.

31. Why did early peoples of the Mediterranean Basin adopt terrestrial game hunting and animal husbandry as a way of life, instead of fishing? More than one of the below statements may be at least partially true; from what you learned in this course so far, please choose the answer below that is the most correct. a. The Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed oligotrophic sea, and could not support highly productive fisheries. b. The Mediterranean Basin was repeatedly colonized by a seafaring culture of farmers .c. Hunter-gatherers were in close contact with livestock farmers, and adopted their techniques. d. Hunter gatherers began farming fish species like eels, and eventually transitioned to livestock farming.

They built their houses on high ground to avoid flooding. They built houses on the mainland side of islands to shelter from storms.

33. Jack Davis states that the Calusa were wise to natural conditions when they built their dwellings. Which of the following are examples of this wisdom given in the assigned text? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. They avoided building in fire-prone areas so they could conduct annual burns without endangering dwellings. b. They built their houses on high ground to avoid flooding. c. They built houses on the mainland side of islands to shelter from storms. d. They built their towns next to fertile ground to improve agricultural yield.

Improvements in underwater acoustics were used to understand the depth of the ocean. Remotely operated vehicles were used to investigate the deep sea.

34. Which of the following were advances from the Age of Electronics that improved or enabled research endeavors? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. The discovery of new toxin extraction methods led to advances in medicine based on marine compounds. b. Technologically advanced deep-sea trawlers led to the first deep sea exploration and the discovery of thriving and abundant deep sea life. c. Improvements in underwater acoustics were used to understand the depth of the ocean. d. Remotely operated vehicles were used to investigate the deep sea.

The plants in the lower marsh are limited by competition, and the plants in the upper marsh are limited by flooding

73. Which of the following is true of the zonation of a salt marsh? a. The best competitors do well in the lower marsh, which is the most stressful habitat in the marsh. b. The plants in the lower marsh are limited by competition, and the plants in the upper marsh are limited by flooding. c. The plants in the lower marsh are tolerant of salt, while the plants in the upper marsh are limited by salt spray. d. The plants in the lower marsh are limited by flooding, and the plants in the upper marsh are limited by competition.

Ponce de Leon discovered the Gulf Stream, which shaved time off the trip back across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe

35. In the book by Jack Davis, what is meant by the quote "Christopher Columbus found the way to the New World, but Ponce de Leon found the way back"? a. Ponce de Leon established an economic stronghold that allowed early explorers to fund expeditions back to Europe. b. Christopher Columbus never brought his discoveries back to Europe, but Ponce de Leon finished the work started by Columbus and took information and goods back to the Old World. c. Ponce de Leon discovered the Gulf Stream, which shaved time off the trip back across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. d. Christopher Columbus made it halfway around the world, but Ponce de Leon completed the circumnavigation of the globe.

They had a foul odor because they wore a type of mosquito repellant made out of alligator fat and shark oil.

36. Jack Davis notes that the native Karankawa people had a particular characteristic that contributed to their reputation as barbarians and cannibals. What was this characteristic? a. They painted their bodies with poison from the manchineel, also known as the "little apple of death". b. They had a foul odor because they wore a type of mosquito repellant made out of alligator fat and shark oil. c. They wore marsh mud as sunscreen, and when it flaked off it gave them a ghoulish appearance. d. They wore oiled manatee skin, which looked a lot like human flesh.

Tar balls, evidence of oil production beneath the waves.

37. When de Soto's gold expedition sailed away from the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico on rafts, they discovered a different type of valuable material. What did they discover? a. Tar balls, evidence of oil production beneath the waves. b. Cattails, which could be used to make bread. c. Sea turtles, which was a delicacy in Europe. d. Silver deposits along the coast.

c

4. The Gulf of Mexico is bordered by which three countries? a. USA, Canada, Mexico b. USA, Mexico, Brazil c. USA, Mexico, Cuba d. USA, Mexico, Caribbean

Marine biomedicine; many promising medicinal compounds have been found in the sea Deep sea mineral mining; an inevitable new way to harvest resources from the Gulf that will require research and monitoring. Climate adaptation; the coastal Gulf will be a hot spot for coastal restoration and human climate migration.

41. When you tell your friend you are taking a class on ocean science, they exclaim "Don't we already know everything about the ocean? Why would you want to study it?" Fortunately, you know there are several new frontiers of marine science, from which you expect to see new discoveries in the near future. Which of the following is an area of promising new research? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Marine biomedicine; many promising medicinal compounds have been found in the sea .b. Deep sea mineral mining; an inevitable new way to harvest resources from the Gulf that will require research and monitoring. c. Climate adaptation; the coastal Gulf will be a hot spot for coastal restoration and human climate migration. d. A new fishery; increase knowledge about menhaden, a fish species that is used to create fish oil, so a successful fishery can develop.

Tides form because of the gravitational pull from the moon and the sun. Tides form from the inertia of revolving around the center of the earth-moon or earth-sun system. Tidal movement depends on geography, as water sloshes back and forth in tidal basins.

42. Which of the following impact the movement of tides? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Tides form because of the gravitational pull from the moon and the sun. b. Extreme tides result from the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter, the two largest planets in the solar system. c. Tides form from the inertia of revolving around the center of the earth-moon or earth-sun system. d. Tidal movement depends on geography, as water sloshes back and forth in tidal basins.

The Gulf of Alaska

43. Which of the following is an example of a macrotidal system? a. The Gulf of Mexico b. The South China Sea c. The Gulf of Alaska d. All of these locations experience tidal activity and are therefore macrotidal.

Although migration is an adaptation, it can lead to vulnerabilities when humans use and even take advantage of migratory corridors for transportation, hunting, and fishing, leading to enhanced mortality risk for migratory species.

47. For some reason, you are really bored at a socially-distanced gathering and you start to talk about protection for migratory corridors. Your classmate argues that protecting migratory corridors is not necessary because migration is a highly specialized behavior and an adaptation, and as such, it is a universally beneficial behavior to the animals that undertake migrations. You think there are some errors in your classmate's argument. What will you say? More than one answer may be at least partially correct, but please choose the response that addresses your classmate's argument the best and reflects what we have learned in class. a. Although migration is an adaptation, it can lead to vulnerabilities when humans use and even take advantage of migratory corridors for transportation, hunting, and fishing, leading to enhanced mortality risk for migratory species. b. Some adaptations are not advantageous, so assuming any natural behavior benefits a given species is not correct. c. Protecting migratory corridors is necessary because less than one percent of highly used migratory corridors in the Gulf of Mexico are protected by managed areas. d. Protecting migratory species is necessary because many migratory species in the Gulf of Mexico are commercially or recreationally important species, such as tuna, tarpon, marlin, and striped bass.

true

62. True or False: Waves move energy long distances across the ocean surface; water parcels themselves mostly move in relatively small orbits, staying mostly in place.

The rotten egg smell produced by a marsh is actually evidence of a thriving microbial community that includes sulfate reducing bacteria, which are producing hydrogen sulfide

71. As you are driving towards New Orleans on I-10, you notice the rotten egg smell of marsh. Your friend in the passenger seat accuses you of "breaking wind" and then says it "smells like death." You know for a fact that this smell is not the smell of death. How do you correct your friend? a. The rotten egg smell is the smell of respiration from all of the marsh fish, invertebrates, and birds. b. The rotten egg smell produced by a marsh is actually evidence of a thriving microbial community that includes sulfate reducing bacteria, which are producing hydrogen sulfide .c. The rotten egg smell is in fact the smell of decomposing animal tissue, but that material is rapidly incorporated back into the marsh environment, supporting new life. d. The rotten egg smell is a sure sign that people are dumping sewage into the marsh, to use the marsh for water filtration and cleaning.

Springtime river flooding permitted Union ships to enter otherwise shallow passes through the delta allowing Union forces to capture New Orleans and gain control of the Mississippi River.

As described in Chapter 5 of the book by Jack Davis, Confederate leaders in charge of defending an attack from the south used natural features to protect themselves from encroaching enemy ships during the Civil War. How did natural features of the Mississippi Delta help to turn the tide of war (pun intended)? More than one answer may be at least partially correct, but please choose the response that best reflects what you read in the book by Jack Davis. a. Confederate soldiers strung wire cable and cyprus log barriers across the river to hobble enemy ships. b. Springtime river flooding permitted Union ships to enter otherwise shallow passes through the delta allowing Union forces to capture New Orleans and gain control of the Mississippi River. c. The Mississippi River mouth was made up of small, shallow passes that shifted constantly, resulting in enemy ships running aground. d. A major hurricane completely destroyed the Union army attack, allowing the Confederate army to maintain control of New Orleans without the loss of a single Confederate soldier.

Deltas are an excellent locations for ports, which are essential for global trade and transportation. Building such a massive economy requires an abundant supply of cheap labor, and fertile deltas have a large supply of farm labor that can fill that role.

China invested heavily to turn the Pearl River Delta from a fertile farm valley into a megacity. What makes a delta such an attractive place to grow a megacity? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Delta channels are an important source of fresh water for the development of large cities. b. Deltas are an excellent locations for ports, which are essential for global trade and transportation. c. Deltas are fertile and highly cultivated, and farmers can provide food for the inhabitants of megacities built on deltas. d. Building such a massive economy requires an abundant supply of cheap labor, and fertile deltas have a large supply of farm labor that can fill that role.

Because of their sensitivity to weather, black mangroves may be a good indicator species for climate change.

Driving down Highway 56 on your way to the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium in Cocodrie, you notice a truck on the side of the road with a LSU sticker. It looks like the truck belongs to scientists, who are mapping black mangrove distribution. From what you learned in this class, you think you know why. Which of the following might be true of the scientist's intentions in mapping the black mangrove? a. Black mangroves are a vector for several devastating plant diseases. b. Black mangroves are an endangered species along the Gulf coast, and are extremely rare. c. Black mangroves are an invasive species, and there are programs for their eradication. d. Because of their sensitivity to weather, black mangroves may be a good indicator species for climate change.

.The mullet produces far more eggs than the number of offspring expected to survive. There are so many mullet in the sea, no amount of feeding by humans and animals could ever make a dent in their population. The mullet has some defenses, including sharp dorsal fin spines that help them avoid being eaten. Mullet were not, in fact, able to persist in the face of intense harvesting pressure, and were fished out by the early 1980s.

Gulf fisherman and restauranteur Leo Lovel called mullet the "basis of the food chain in the sea", writing "Poor ole mullet. Everybody and everything in the sea, air and on land love 'em..." How are mullet able to persist if everything eats them? a. The mullet produces far more eggs than the number of offspring expected to survive. b. There are so many mullet in the sea, no amount of feeding by humans and animals could ever make a dent in their population. c. The mullet has some defenses, including sharp dorsal fin spines that help them avoid being eaten. d. Mullet were not, in fact, able to persist in the face of intense harvesting pressure, and were fished out by the early 1980s.

Food was abundant, and not everyone needed to devote their full time to obtaining food, allowing for specialized jobs.

How did indigenous peoples in the coastal Gulf of Mexico develop healthy, complex societies without agriculture? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Seasonal shifts in resources and coastal threats brought individuals together for support .b. Food was abundant, and not everyone needed to devote their full time to obtaining food, allowing for specialized jobs. c. There was cooperation between tribes for large-scale hunting drives. d. Disputes over farming land and distribution of resources led to stronger leadership and laws.

It was thought that only stationary cultures (non-nomadic cultures) could construct monuments, but this nomadic culture was able to organize a work force to construct a complex of monuments over centuries

How did the discovery of the Watson Brake mound site change the way archeologists thought about hunter-gatherer society? More than one of the below statements may be at least partially true; from what you learned in this course so far, please choose the answer below that is the most correct. a. It is the oldest known earthwork mound complex in North America, and its discovery changed the timeline of known human occupation in the region. b. It was evidence of a southern extension of a large trading network spanning throughout the eastern US. c. It was thought that only stationary cultures (non-nomadic cultures) could construct monuments, but this nomadic culture was able to organize a work force to construct a complex of monuments over centuries .d. It was evidence that the hunter-gatherer society typical of the region was colonized repeatedly by a seafaring culture of farmers.

They may track the survival of an indicator species, a type of organism that signals the condition of the environment.

How do scientists determine the health of a habitat, when it is composed of so many different species serving different roles? a. They must continually examine each component of the ecosystem individually, to identify if the species interactions are breaking down. b. It is impossible to estimate the health of a habitat because it has too many components to track. c. They may track the survival of an indicator species, a type of organism that signals the condition of the environment. d. Only physical variables can be measured to track the health of an ecosystem, such as temperature, salinity, and current velocity.

dating magnetic stripes of rock on the sea bed and measuring the distance from the ridge crest

How do we determine the movement of plates and the rates of sea floor spreading? a. dating magnetic stripes of rock on the sea bed and measuring the distance from the ridge crest .b. recording the depth of the ocean and relating it to rates of sediment deposition at that location. c. looking at the distance between the location of the modern shoreline and the edge of the continental shelf. d. measuring the degree of crust subsidence, which occurs as the newly formed crust gradually cools over time.

The steep profile causes waves to break as they hit the wall, causing water to overtop the structure and erode the other side. After hitting the wall, the water returns along the bottom of the structure, scouring sediment and eroding the foot of the wall.

How does a vertical seawall accelerate coastal erosion? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. The wall deflect the water, reduce undercutting and prevent the wall from being undermined. b. The steep profile causes waves to break as they hit the wall, causing water to overtop the structure and erode the other side. c. The wall absorbs or dissipates the wave energy before it hits shore. d. After hitting the wall, the water returns along the bottom of the structure, scouring sediment and eroding the foot of the wall.

As the river changed course, the natural flow of freshwater and sediment resulted in periods of land building and land loss in different areas of the delta.

How has delta switching influenced the formation of the Louisiana coastline? a. The Mississippi River has always flowed through approximately the same course, leading to a highly stable coastline .b. As the river changed course, the natural flow of freshwater and sediment resulted in periods of land building and land loss in different areas of the delta. c. The Mississippi River has quite recently fully switched to the Atchafalaya lobe, drastically changing the shape of the coastline since the 1930s. d. Every 1,000-1,500 years, the Mississippi River flow will alternatively turn on or off, switching between flood and drought and building up the coast in stages.

They have established a fund to relocate the country's residents to another location.

How has the Maldives, an island nation that is highly vulnerable to sea level rise, responded to the threat of chronic flooding? a. They are investing heavily in seawalls and other infrastructure to hold back the water. b. They have established a fund to relocate the country's residents to another location. c. They have built artificial islands to provide refuge for people displaced by rising sea levels. d. Everyone is transitioning to living and working underwater.

Sulfate reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide for the purple sulfur bacteria, and purple sulfur bacteria produce sulfate for the sulfate reducing bacteria, in a lively marsh mutualism.

How is the function of sulfate reducing bacteria and purple sulfur bacteria closely intertwined? a. Sulfate reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide for the purple sulfur bacteria, and purple sulfur bacteria produce sulfate for the sulfate reducing bacteria, in a lively marsh mutualism. b. Sulfate reducing bacteria and purple sulfur bacteria both live together in microbial mats at the sediment surface. c. Sulfate reducing bacteria and purple sulfur bacteria are competitors, and the presence of one over the other largely depends on the types of sulfur compounds that are present. d. Purple sulfur bacteria cannot survive in the vicinity of sulfate reducing bacteria, because the latter creates a harmful toxin.

The freshwater released in the Spillway was stratified, traveling through the Mississippi Sound along the coast without much mixing and bringing river water into areas that aren't normally very fresh.

In 2019, the decision to open the Bonnet Carré Spillway in Louisiana led to consequences for fishermen and coastal inhabitants of much of the northern Gulf of Mexico, including coastal Mississippi and parts of coastal Alabama. How did estuarine hydrodynamics result in these far-reaching impacts? More than one answer may be at least partially correct; from what you learned in this course so far, please choose the answer below that is the most correct. a. Water from the Mississippi River released through the Spillway was very acidic, and caused caustic burns to coastal organisms along the northern Gulf of Mexico. b. The prevailing currents caused by tides carried the freshwater released by the Spillway over 150 miles to the east, through coastal Mississippi and into Alabama. c. The low salinity water was stressful for animals that usually live in high salinity environments, such as oysters and dolphins. d. The freshwater released in the Spillway was stratified, traveling through the Mississippi Sound along the coast without much mixing and bringing river water into areas that aren't normally very fresh.

all of them

In Chapter 4 of Jack Davis' book, you learned about how the Spanish sailed right into the mouth of the Mississippi River, but didn't realize they were in the river. What was the reason for this error? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. A large, muddy, freshwater plume extends far beyond the mouth of the river, concealing its location. b. La Salle had, some years earlier, drawn the Mississippi River mouth as a large bay, so the Spanish were not searching for a delta. c. From La Salle's earlier maps, they thought the Mississippi River was farther to the west, in Texas. d. The mouth of the Mississippi River is a large muddy delta, with around five distributaries connecting to the sea, making it difficult to discern the location of the river beyond.

Ships could run aground on sandy shoals miles out from shore. Coral reefs covered most of the bottom and often damaged boat hulls. Massive oyster reefs were major hazards, as they sometimes stretched for miles.

In Chapter 4 of Jack Davis's book, you read that navigation in shallow Gulf waters around the Florida Keys was described by Bernard Romans as "mazy", or maze-like. Which of the following contributed to tricky navigation in these waters? More than one answer may be correct, please choose all correct answers. a. Ships could run aground on sandy shoals miles out from shore. b. Coral reefs covered most of the bottom and often damaged boat hulls. c. There were so many wrecked ships that a captain needed to weave through. d. Massive oyster reefs were major hazards, as they sometimes stretched for miles.

Marshes and mangroves obscured the coastline. River passes often silted closed just to open up again at a later time. Granite markers used to mark the coastline sometimes disappeared along with the land they were marking.

In Chapter 5, Jack Davis describes several aspects of the coast that made coastal survey work very difficult for the British. Which of the following are difficulties mentioned in the text? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Alligators posed a real threat to surveyors and caused the death of at least a few assistants. b. Marshes and mangroves obscured the coastline. c. River passes often silted closed just to open up again at a later time. d. Granite markers used to mark the coastline sometimes disappeared along with the land they were marking.

The elephants need the water in the delta and the food provided by the palm nuts; meanwhile, their movements carve out new channels, and they help palm islands to grow by digesting and distributing palm seeds

In class, you explored an example of animal-environment interactions, in which elephants in Botswana help to shape their environment in the Okavango River Delta. Which of the following is true about the animal-environment interactions involving elephants in Botswana? More than one answer may be at least partially correct; from what you learned in this course so far, please choose the answer below that is the most correct. a. The elephants need the water in the delta and the food provided by the palm nuts; meanwhile, their movements carve out new channels, and they help palm islands to grow by digesting and distributing palm seeds. b. Elephants, through their digging and excavation activities, break down channels and cause erosion in the Okavango River Delta. c. The elephants began to die off in 2020 due to a disease they contracted from harmful algae blooms in their environment. d. Elephants are large animals that drink a large quantity water from the delta channels, causing it to dry up each season.

The coast is a key player in human history and progress, and humans modify the natural

In the book "The Gulf" by Jack E. Davis, Davis states that the painting by Winslow Home called "Shell Heap" displays "an intimate and vital connection linking humankind, nature, and history." Which of the following statements reflects the complex interaction between humankind, history, and natural science? All of the below statements are true; from what you learned in this course so far, please choose the answer below that is the most correct. a. Many key battles and wars were fought in coastal areas throughout human history .b. The coast is a key player in human history and progress, and humans modify the natural characteristics of the coast to suit their needs .c. In many coastal locations, pollution from coastal populations degrades the natural coastal environment. d. Certain natural characteristics of coastal systems make them strategically important to humankind.

River discharge goes through seasonal cycles, with highest discharge in the spring and lowest discharge in the fall. Persistent coastal high pressure system in the winter lowers the water level, and coastal low pressure system in the summer raises the water level.

In the northern Gulf of Mexico, why does the average sea level change seasonally? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. River discharge goes through seasonal cycles, with highest discharge in the spring and lowest discharge in the fall. b. The loop current slows in the winter, delivering less water to the Gulf of Mexico and resulting in dropping water levels. c. Persistent coastal high pressure system in the winter lowers the water level, and coastal low pressure system in the summer raises the water level. d. Coastal water levels drop in the summer when water demand for agriculture peaks.

All of these answers are true.

John James Audubon, famed ornithologist, looked unfavorably upon the practice of harvesting adult turtles and turtle eggs from nesting beaches, and called the stolen eggs "ill-gotten wares." Why did he take this stance? a. Audubon was a fierce conservationist and wholly objected to the harvest of sea turtles. b. Turtle egg harvesters would collect bird eggs from the beach as well, and Audubon was a key figure speaking out for the conservation of birds in the Gulf .c. Audubon frowned upon the practice of taking both breeding turtles and their offspring without regard to future generations of turtles. d. All of these answers are true.

gravity and a sea surface disturbance.

Ocean waves occur as a balance between _____________________________. a. gravity and a sea surface disturbance. b. tides and cohesion. c. potential energy and kinetic energy. d. energy and mass.

Seagrasses need a lot of light to thrive, and the muddy water from the Mississippi River Delta does not allow seagrasses to grow.

Seagrasses occur in the Gulf of Mexico, but they are not found close to the Mississippi River Delta. Why not? a. The springtime meltwater that flows down the Mississippi and out of the delta is far too cold for tropical seagrasses to thrive. b. The flow speed of the water exiting the Mississippi River Delta is far too fast, and would uproot any seagrass in the area. c. Seagrasses need a lot of light to thrive, and the muddy water from the Mississippi River Delta does not allow seagrasses to grow. d. Intense fishing activity near the Mississippi River Delta, especially the use of bottom trawls, has destroyed any patches of seagrass that once existed there.

In winter, dead Spartina breaks off and accumulates as mats of detritus, at least some of which will eventually end up incorporated into marsh peat

Spartina goes through seasonal changes. How are these seasonal changes related to peat formation in the salt marsh? a. As the Spartina begins growing in the spring, the roots have a difficult time growing through the peat layer, limiting the growth of the plants. b. The Spartina plants must put down roots early in the spring, before toxic hydrogen sulfide begins forming in the peat layer. c. In winter, dead Spartina breaks off and accumulates as mats of detritus, at least some of which will eventually end up incorporated into marsh peat .d. When the marsh grass dies back for the winter, the roots holding the peat together also disappear, leaving the peat vulnerable to erosion by winter storms.

Coastal towers illuminated by fires served as lighthouses to guide ships. The Aztec king Montezuma presented Cortés with a detailed map of the Mexican coast. Columbus reported in 1502 he saw a large native ship the size of a Spanish galleon about 130 km east of the Yucatán coast.

There was considerable marine transportation and commerce in the Gulf of Mexico before it was "discovered" by Europeans. What is some evidence that this was true? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Coastal towers illuminated by fires served as lighthouses to guide ships. b. The Aztec king Montezuma presented Cortés with a detailed map of the Mexican coast. c. Columbus reported in 1502 he saw a large native ship the size of a Spanish galleon about 130 km east of the Yucatán coast. d. The Calusa used large native frigates to engage Ponce de León's ships in battle.

tectonic activity

The Gulf of Mexico was formed by ___________________. a. glacial activity b. tectonic activity c. flooding a river valley d. a meteor strike

A meteor collides with the Earth and forms a crater River valleys converge to form one massive river valley Rivers carve a deep canyon during a low stage in sea level Rising sea levels flood the river valley

The following events describe parts of the history of the formation of Chesapeake Bay. Sort the events in geological time. A. Rising sea levels flood the river valley B. A meteor collides with the Earth and forms a crater C. Rivers carve a deep canyon during a low stage in sea level D. River valleys converge to form one massive river valley

Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM)

Which size fraction of organic matter is most useful as food for organisms in coastal environments? a. Coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) b. Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) c. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) d. Reactive particulate matter (RPM)

The bird's bills are highly specialized to feed on a specific prey resources that are found in the intertidal area along the Yellow Sea coast. Highly productive areas in the Yellow Sea are critical for the bird's survival. There are no other large expanses of intertidal areas or marsh along their migratory flyway.

The intertidal sand flats along the edges of the Yellow Sea are disappearing. Why would it be unlikely that migratory shorebirds could use another feeding location if these habitats disappear? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Migration patterns are genetically coded so the birds must take the same migration route every year. b. The bird's bills are highly specialized to feed on a specific prey resources that are found in the intertidal area along the Yellow Sea coast. c. Highly productive areas in the Yellow Sea are critical for the bird's survival. d. There are no other large expanses of intertidal areas or marsh along their migratory flyway.

Although they are hatched offshore, coastal currents transport tarpon larvae into estuarine waters. Adult tarpon are tolerant of a wide range of salinity and will travel upriver to forage on small fish. Larval tarpon use mangroves and seagrass as protection while they grow into juveniles.

The tarpon relies heavily on coastal environments during its life cycle. Which of the following are some examples of the relationship between tarpon and coastal environments, as mentioned in Chapter 7 of the book by Jack Davis? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Although they are hatched offshore, coastal currents transport tarpon larvae into estuarine waters. b. Adult tarpon are tolerant of a wide range of salinity and will travel upriver to forage on small fish. c. Adult tarpon use their lower jaws, shaped like earthmoving equipment, to carve out channels that they use to trap prey fish in the marsh. d. Larval tarpon use mangroves and seagrass as protection while they grow into juveniles.

You state that existing mangroves and marsh will protect coastal developments better than walls because it will reduce energy of approaching waves and is not subject to being undermined by overtopping waves (as is the case with seawalls).

There is a public comment period opened up by your local city council, allowing you to comment on a proposal to convert about 25 m of mangroves and salt marsh into a series of cement seawalls and offshore rock breakwalls to protect a new development from storm surge and land erosion. You think this effort might be misguided. From what you learned in this course, how might you reply? More than one answer may be at least partially correct, but please choose the response that best addresses the major changes proposed by your city council based on what you learned in class. a. Instead of rock breakwalls, you recommend adding natural oyster reefs offshore to act as natural breakwalls, because oysters can disperse wave energy. b. You recommend using the removed mangrove and salt marsh as carbon credits to allow your city to offset the costs of the new construction. c. You argue that storm surge is unlikely to be an issue in this area, because there is no way 25 m of healthy mangrove and salt marsh would exist in an area with high risk of storm surge. d. You state that existing mangroves and marsh will protect coastal developments better than walls because it will reduce energy of approaching waves and is not subject to being undermined by overtopping waves (as is the case with seawalls).

true

True or False: An ecosystem service is an aspect of the environment that provides a benefit to humans, such as erosion prevention or tourism.

true

True or False: Basic science, such as understanding how hydrothermal vents function, is research aimed at understanding fundamental problems. Applied science, such as developing best practices for aquaculture, is the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. True/False

false

True or False: Since the end of Gulf of Mexico seafloor spreading about 94 Ma, the location of the shoreline of the Gulf has not changed.

freshwater flow, tides, and winds.

Water moves in an estuary in a typical circulation pattern based on the relative contribution of: a. winds, storms, and rainfall .b. sediment grain size, tides, and river flow. c. density, the rotation of the Earth, and tides. d. freshwater flow, tides, and winds.

Waves shoal when they interact with the ocean bottom as they approach shore.

What causes waves to shoal? a. Waves shoal in deep water when the energy transferred by the wave exceeds the mass transferred by the wave. b. Waves shoal when the wind exceeds 60 mph. c. Waves shoal when they interact with the ocean bottom as they approach shore. d. Waves shoal when they approach and interact with adjacent waves.

A delta is a wetland that forms as a river empties its water and sediment into another body of water, or rarely, onto dry land

What is a delta? a. A delta is just a special type of river that flows into the ocean. b. A delta is an estuary that is dominated by river flow and tides. c. A delta is a wetland that forms as a river empties its water and sediment into another body of water, or rarely, onto dry land. d. A delta forms in a river anywhere the flow slows noticeably, resulting in sediment deposits along the banks.

Primary production is production by plants, secondary production is production by animals

What is the difference between primary productivity and secondary productivity? a. Primary production is production by plants, secondary production is production by bacteria. b. Primary production occurs in land-based ecosystems, secondary production occurs in the ocean. c. Primary production is production by plants, secondary production is production by animals .d. Primary production is the creation of organic matter, secondary production is the creation of mineral matter.

Trace nutrients are unimportant when compared to more abundant nutrients like nitrogen.

Which of the following Is NOT true about trace nutrients? a. Trace nutrients are found at very low concentrations in seawater. b. Trace nutrients are unimportant when compared to more abundant nutrients like nitrogen. c. One example of a trace nutrient in the ocean is iron. d. A trace nutrient may be a limiting nutrient.

Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.

Which of the following are major nutrients in coastal ecosystems? a. Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. b. Quartz, feldspar, and mica. c. Nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfate. d. CPOM, FPOM, and DOM.

The Tlingit culture is native to an area with a large tidal range, generally greater than 3 m. The Tlingit people feature tides in their myths and legends, depicting the tidal force as an old woman. The Tlingit people relied on the tides for food, because low tides expose important food resources such as urchins.

Which of the following are true about the relationship between the Tlingit people and the tides? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. The Tlingit culture is native to an area with a large tidal range, generally greater than 3 m. b. The Tlingit people feature tides in their myths and legends, depicting the tidal force as an old woman. c. The Tlingit people relied on the tides for food, because low tides expose important food resources such as urchins. d. The Tlingit culture regularly suffered disasters relating to extreme spring tides, which are included in their oral history.

At the delta, where the flowing river meets standing water and slows. Over a shallow flat, like a floodplain. Over a shallow region of the river itself.

Which of the following are typical locations where sediment tends to be deposited in a riverine system? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. At the delta, where the flowing river meets standing water and slows. b. Over a shallow flat, like a floodplain. c. Along river cliffs known as cutbanks. d. Over a shallow region of the river itself.

Withdrawal of large amounts of groundwater. Post-glacial rebound. Meteor impacts.

Which of the following contribute to land subsidence? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Building large, heavy cities made of concrete. b. Withdrawal of large amounts of groundwater. c. Post-glacial rebound. d. Meteor impacts.

Eddies can act as "island oases", because they are the site of intense biological production.

Which of the following is true about eddies: a. They are relatively rare, formed only by the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico. b. Eddies can act as "island oases", because they are the site of intense biological production. c. The cyclonic motion of eddies can lead to tropical cyclone formation. d. Due to the Coriolis Effect, eddies always move in a clockwise or anticyclonic direction.

Oyster reefs filter particles out of the water and store them in the sediments as feces. Sediment settles at the bottom after reaching an area with slow water flow. Nutrients are stored and absorbed by plants or microorganisms.

Which of the following is true about the capacity for coastal habitats to filter and clean water? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Mercury is removed from the ecosystem after it is incorporated into the tissue of mussels. b. Oyster reefs filter particles out of the water and store them in the sediments as feces. c. Sediment settles at the bottom after reaching an area with slow water flow. d. Nutrients are stored and absorbed by plants or microorganisms.

persian gulf

Which sea, gulf, or bay is the world's largest single source of petroleum? a. Persian Gulf b. South China Sea c. Mediterranean Sea d. Gulf of Alaska

Coastal habitats are very good at trapping suspended matter and associated organic carbon during the tidal cycle.

Why are vegetated coastal habitats (mangrove forests, seagrass beds, salt marshes) disproportionately important in storing carbon when compared with terrestrial ecosystems? a. Coastal habitats are very good at trapping suspended matter and associated organic carbon during the tidal cycle. b. Blue carbon molecules trapped by coastal habitats make more potent greenhouse gases than normal carbon. c. Carbon is stored in the leaves and woody material of coastal vegetation through primary production, but this does not happen in terrestrial systems .d. All of these answers are correct.

Because there is safety in numbers- having all of the young hatched at the same time increases the likelihood some will survive. Because many fish are broadcast spawners, and must release gametes in the same area for fertilization to occur. Because some habitats or regions are better situated to provide excellent conditions for the growth and survival of the young.

Why do many fish species come back to specific locations to reproduce, season after season? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. To avoid certain regions with high fishing pressure, so the adults can reproduce before being captured. b. Because there is safety in numbers- having all of the young hatched at the same time increases the likelihood some will survive. c. Because many fish are broadcast spawners, and must release gametes in the same area for fertilization to occur. d. Because some habitats or regions are better situated to provide excellent conditions for the growth and survival of the young.

Acid sulfate soil is an extremely difficult problem to fix, as it requires restoring water flow to the drained marshland.

Why have acid sulfate soils caused such severe environmental consequences for coastal Australia? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. Acid sulfate soils cause extreme acidification and heavy metal contamination. b. Acid sulfate soils contaminate the groundwater and cause violent illness in people who depend on that water to drink. c. Acid sulfate soil is an extremely difficult problem to fix, as it requires restoring water flow to the drained marshland. d. Acid sulfate soils cause caustic burns for fishermen and coastal inhabitants.

About 90% of fish and shellfish caught or harvested in the Gulf spend an essential stage of their lifecycle in an estuary.

You have a family member who loves to fish offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. They are having trouble understanding how protecting the estuaries impacts their fishing, when they never fish in estuaries. Which of the following could you say to them to help convince them that the health of estuaries influences their hobby? More than one answer may be at least partially correct, but please choose the response that addresses your family member's misunderstanding the best and reflects what we have learned in class. a. The coastal estuaries link rivers full of nutrients and life to the Gulf of Mexico. b. Every estuary supplies nutrients and carbon to offshore ecosystems through outwelling. c. About 90% of fish and shellfish caught or harvested in the Gulf spend an essential stage of their lifecycle in an estuary. d. Large fish offshore can bioaccumulate pollutants that are commonly found in estuarine environments.

Most MPAs still allow some sort of harvesting within the zone; only just over 1.89% of the ocean is covered by a no-take MPA.

You see an internet post on Reddit stating that "The benefits of a Marine Protected Area are not available to fishermen, because all of the big fish are in the MPA and fishing is never allowed in these areas." You are feeling especially brave and intend to reply to the post with a better explanation as to the benefits of MPAs. What do you say? More than one answer may be correct, choose all of the correct answers. a. MPAs are generally only designed to protect small fish, like coral reef species, that are not commonly targeted by fisherman .b. Most MPAs still allow some sort of harvesting within the zone; only just over 1.89% of the ocean is covered by a no-take MPA. c. In the case of a no-take MPA, by protecting the growth of fish inside the MPA, the population will expand and spill out onto adjacent areas where fishing is allowed. d. You would not want to fish in an MPA anyways, because these zones are highly contaminated by pollutants and the catch would not be safe for consumption.

The "Black Belt", which is a highly productive region of the United States, is a consequence of the unique origin story of the Gulf of Mexico and has been associated with historical and modern racial dynamics in the country

Your classmate states that they can't focus on geology, because it all happened so long ago and the geological history of the Gulf of Mexico is not relevant to recent human history or to modern human society and culture. What is one example you would give to demonstrate their way of thinking is flawed? a. The geological history of the Gulf of Mexico explains how its shoreline has been relatively stable for millions of years, paving the way for civilizations and societies to develop along its shores and creating the mixing of cultures we see in the region today. b. The formation of the carbonate shelves in Florida and the Yucatan peninsula exemplify how productive the Gulf is, supporting a highly profitable fisheries industry that shapes the economy and culture of the Gulf today. c. The "Black Belt", which is a highly productive region of the United States, is a consequence of the unique origin story of the Gulf of Mexico and has been associated with historical and modern racial dynamics in the country. d. Reading and understanding magnetic anomalies in the seabed rocks of the Gulf of Mexico can help us predict future magnetic pole reversals and consequences for nature and human society in the region, which could be catastrophic.

true

true or False: Major wind-driven boundary currents in the western Gulf of Mexico move water in a clockwise (anticyclonic) direction.