Earth Science Chapter 14 (Hurley)
What could eventually cause a change in ocean temperatures?
Global Warming
Describe temperature variation with depth a low latitudes?
High Rapid decrease in temperature with depth
Describe density variation with depth at high latitudes?
High density (cold) water at the surface Little change in density with depth
Describe temperature at low latitudes?
High surface temperature
Describe temperature variation with depth in high latitudes?
Low Surface temperatures No rapid decrease in temperature with depth (all temps very close)
Describe density variation with depth at low latitudes?
Low density at surface Density increases rapidly with depth
Describe temperature at high latitudes?
Low surface temperature
What is density?
Mass per unit volume How heavy something is for its size
What are the three ocean layers?
Mixed Zone Transition Zone Deep Zone
Is the transfer of energy in the trophic levels efficient?
No, phytoplankton only take in about 2% of the sun's energy Each time you pass through a trophic level, that organism only retains 10% of the energy
Can the ocean's temperature change dramatically?
No, the unique properties of water make it resistant to temperature changes
Where does salt in the ocean come from?
Outgassing (from volcanic eruptions) Chemical Weathering
What are the 3 different types of organisms in the ocean?
Phytoplankton & Zooplankton Nekton Benthos
What processes decrease salinity?
Precipitation Melting of Icebergs Runoff from land Melting of sea ice
Sea water temperatures vary with the amount of what?
Solar Radiation
What factors effect seawater density?
Temperature Salinity
What is an example of Benthos?
A starfish found on the ocean floor These creatures are usually found at continental margins
Describe the mixed zone
About 2% of ocean water Sun warmed zone Shallow zone of mixing
Describe the transition zone
18% of ocean water Zone where thermoclines and pycnoclines are found
What is the average salinity of seawater?
3.5% 35 parts per 1000
Surface salinity range?
33%-38%
Describe the deep zone
80% of ocean water Sunlight doesn't reach here Temperature a few degrees above freezing Constant high-density water
What is an example of nekton?
A fish found in the transition zone
What is a food web?
A food chain, only it involves feeding on several different organisms
What is a thermocline?
An area in the ocean where ocean temperatures transition from warm to very cold (rapidly)
Why are food webs more advantageous than food chains?
Animals that feed through a food web rather than a food chain are more likely to survive
What is an example of phytoplankton?
Bacteria found in the mixed zone
Why don't oceans get saltier over time?
Because the salt eventually solidifies and becomes sediment
What are trophic levels in the ocean?
Chemical energy stored in the mass of the ocean's algae is transferred to the animal community mostly through feeding
Which is more dense cold water or warm water?
Cold water because it is found on the bottom of the ocean
Why is density important in the ocean?
Determines waters vertical position in the ocean
What processes increase salinity?
Evaporation Formation of Ice
Why are thermoclines important?
They create a barrier as some organisms can only live in certain temperatures
Where are thermoclines and pycnoclines located?
Transition zone
Does salinity in the ocean vary?
Yes, it can vary from place to place especially in the surface
What is a pycnocline?
a layer in an ocean or other body of water in which water density increases rapidly with depth (this happens because of water temperatures, so it depends on thermocline)
What is a food chain?
a linear sequence of organisms through which energy is transferred
