Unit 11 Earth's Oceans Test Review

What is a hydrothermal vent?

A hydrothermal vent is an opening in the sea floor out of which heated mineral-rich water flows. Ocean water is flowing into this hole (vent), being heated by volcanic activity, and flowing out again.

Why is a tidal pool a dangerous place to live?

A tidal pool exposes organisms to other threats such as birds.

Why is a tidal pool a safe place to live?

A tidal pool protects organisms from large ocean predators.

Why would you add food coloring to salt water in a demonstration of the ocean?

Food coloring would allow the people watching the observation to see that salt water is denser than fresh water and would sink to the bottom of the ocean.

How do volcanoes deep below the ocean's surface turn into islands above the surface?

Lava builds up the volcanic mountain each time a volcano erupts. The volcano gets taller and taller each time and eventually grows tall enough to stick up out of the water. You then have an island.

. As you were standing on a river bridge watching waves break onto the shore, you wondered if it would be possible to see how long it would take a ball to reach the shore if you threw it in the water on one side of the bridge and watched it flow under and out the other side. Would this be possible to see?

No, because only the wave energy moves, not the water itself.

What is the important job of plant-like plankton in the ocean?

Plant-like plankton are in charge of removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen back into it during photosynthesis. This helps us to breathe!

How do shorelines affect ocean currents?

Shorelines cause ocean currents to change directions.

What are spring tides?

Spring tides are when the highest high tides and the lowest low tides occur.

What type of equipment would you need in order to withstand the high water pressure in the ocean?

Submersibles

. Why does the water in the ocean get colder the deeper down you travel?

Sunlight doesn't reach to all parts of the ocean. It doesn't reach the deeper levels.

The Dead Sea is an inland body of water that is nearly impossible for people to sink in. Why is this the case?

The Dead Sea is very salty.

What is the abyssal plain?

The abyssal plain is a vast, flat area on the deep ocean floor.

What is the continental shelf? Where is it found?

The continental shelf is the underwater border of each continent. The edge of it meets the beach.

What is the continental slope?

The continental slope is the steep area where the ocean rapidly gets deeper. The continental slope comes after the continental shelf.

How is it possible for waves to get so big in the ocean?

The ocean's surface is so big and open. There is nothing for the wind to hit to slow it down.

Many world maps show 5 oceans, yet some scientists refer to the world ocean. Why is this?

The oceans are one giant body of water. No ocean water knows boundaries.

What causes tides?

The positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun effect tides. The sun's and moon's gravity pulling on Earth causes tides.

What is the twilight zone? How could you describe it?

The twilight zone has dimly lit water with only some sunlight that is able to reach the bottom.

What happens to the salinity of water where fresh water meets salt water?

The water would be slightly salty where fresh and salt water mix.

What is a tidal pool?

Tide pools are areas on rocks by the ocean that are filled with seawater. Many animals, such as crabs, small shrimp, sea anemones, sea stars, and small plants live in these tide pools. Tide pools can be small, shallow puddles found high up on the shore or huge, deep holes nearer to the sea. Tide pools form when the ocean covers the beach twice a day.

What would cause a shoreline to become eroded over time along the beach?

Waves weather and erode rock and transport sand.

What are currents?

An ocean current is a steady flow of water in a regular pattern. They flow like rivers and move large amounts of water long distances.

How are coral reefs formed?

Colonies of coral polyps gradually build up hard, branched structures.

Which zone would you find corals living in?

Corals would live in the near-shore zone.

What special vehicle to divers need to go deep into the ocean? Why do they need this vehicle?

Deep below the ocean's surface, water pressure increases. By using a submersible, divers are able to explore deeper without being harmed by the high water pressure.

How does the cold, colored salt water from our investigation in class compare to deep-ocean currents?

Deep ocean currents flow like rivers through the deep parts of the ocean. Deep ocean currents flow beneath the surface of the water. In our investigation, the cold, colored salt water sank beneath the cold salt water and warm fresh water.

In order to explore the ocean, divers must wear special clothing and SCUBA tanks. This helps them stay underwater for a longer period of time. Why do humans need this special clothing and SCUBA gear?

Deep-ocean water is cold so the special clothes are needed to keep the divers warm. Humans need air to breathe, and the SCUBA tanks provide the air.

If you were traveling down into the ocean, what would you encounter?

Extreme cold water, high water pressure, darkness, less oxygen