Module 03: Oceans in Motion Exam

What are some survival tactics that organisms use?

-Mass production of young in hopes that some will survive -Reproducing few offspring and caring for them closely

Identify and describe the different zones within the intertidal zone(6).

-Spray/Supralittoral Zone: -High Intertidal Zone: -Mid-Intertidal Zone: -Low Intertidal Zone: -Littoral Zone: -Sublittoral Zone:

List the forms of energy.

-chemical energy -thermal or heat energy -mechanical energy -potential energy -kinetic energy -electrical energy -radiant or solar energy -nuclear energy

What are some adaptations that help organisms survive in a tidepool? 1. Mussels 2. Snails 3. Sea Stars 4. Rockweed

-hard shells to protect from predators(1,2) -they firmly attach themselves to hard surfaces like rocks to withstand wave action(1, 3)/they can wedge into small crevices or burrow in the sand(2). -thick skin(3) -Rockweed is a type of algae that have small, air-filled bladders. These allow the leaves to float and absorb sunlight at high tide. At low tide, the rockweed forms a thick mat, forming a barrier to guard against water loss and temperature swings.

What factors cause the ocean to never stop moving?

1. Tidal Currents 2. Wind 3. Thermohaline Circulation

List and describe the three types of waves.

1.) Surging breakers When the slope of the coastal region is very steep, waves move onto the shore without breaking. Each wave appears as a surge of water moving inland. 2.) Plunging breakers A plunging breaker looks like a hollowed curve of a wave. These waves occur on moderately sloped beaches. Sometimes the waves curl over, forming a tunnel. 3.) Spilling breakers Spilling breakers break far from shore so that the surf rolls over the front of the waves. These occur on gently sloped coastal regions.

List an example of each type of current: 1.) Tidal current 2.) Coastal current 3.) Surface ocean current

1.) low tide/high tide 2.) rip current 3.) gyres

What is a tide table?

A tide table shows the date, time, and height of the predicted tides for a specific location.

What does the law of conservation of energy state?

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can change from one form to another. In other words, energy doesn't go anywhere—it simply changes form. This means that in systems where matter and energy are contained, the total amount of energy will be constant.

What characteristics distinguish different types of coastlines?

Active Coasts: -deltas -volcanic coasts Passive Coasts: -Marine deposit coasts -others such as coral reefs or mangroves

How do ecosystems form?

An ecosystem is formed when living organisms interact with each other and the abiotic, or nonliving, components of their environment, including things like light, soil, and water

Give an example of the type of system and describe: Closed System

As in open systems, energy can enter and leave freely. However, unlike open systems, matter cannot enter or leave a closed system. Energy in the form of heat is still able to enter and leave the system. However, all the matter, or water in this case, is trapped inside. No matter can be added and none can leave. The Earth is an example of a natural closed system. The outer edge of the Earth's atmosphere acts as a boundary between the system, Earth, and the surroundings, which would be space. Energy is transferred between the Earth and its surroundings, but matter does not enter or leave.

When do waves break?

As the wave moves into increasingly shallow water, the bottom of the wave decreases speed. There comes a point where the top of the wave overtakes it and starts to spill forward — the wave starts to break.

What is the difference between active and passive coasts?

Based on Location Active coasts are close to plate boundaries, where plate collisions result in volcanoes and earthquakes. An example is the Pacific US Coast. Passive coasts are far from plate boundaries and have little volcanic activity or earthquakes. An example is the Atlantic US Coast. Based on Formation Active Coasts: are formed by land-driven processes:Deltas: wide continental shelf, sediment accumulates and forms a triangular shape. An example of this is the Nile River Delta. Volcanic Coasts: volcanoes build up on the seafloor, breaking the surface and forming island chains. An example of this is the Hawaiian Islands. Passive Coasts are formed by marine activity: Marine-deposition coasts: sea action causes sediment accumulation, forming mud flats, salt marshes, beaches, and barrier islands. An example of this is the Barrier Island in Mexico. Other: Coasts build by marine organisms such as coral reefs or mangroves. An example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Describe the following region: Tropical

Despite the sunlight in the tropical regions, there is a limited amount of nutrients in general. Because of this, primary production is low all year until the winter season when upwelling near coastlines add nutrients, increasing production.

Do ecosystems change over time?

Ecosystems may be small, like a pond, or large, like the entire ocean, but all of them are considered dynamic. That means they can change due to external factors such as climate, invasive species, natural disasters, seasonal changes, and time.

Electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves, such as light or heat waves, do not need a medium and they can travel through a vacuum.

Since energy can't be destroyed, what occurs instead?

Energy doesn't go anywhere—it simply changes form. This means that in systems where matter and energy are contained, the total amount of energy will be constant.

What are the characteristics of various coastal zones?

In bodies of water, coastal areas are identified by zones, based on the seafloor topography, and on the amount of water cover they contain.

How are waves created?

In fact, waves are made out of energy. Waves in the ocean are transferring energy generated by winds and storms that happen thousands of miles offshore.

Give an example of the type of system and describe: Open System

In open systems, matter and energy can enter and leave the system freely. The ocean is an example of a natural open system. Matter and energy both move freely among the ocean, land, and atmosphere. Energy in the form of heat enters into the system and also leaves. Matter in the form of water enters the system and leaves in the form of vapor. Open systems are the most common type of system, and this one in particular is great for opening your pores.

Describe the following region: Polar

In polar regions there are plentiful nutrients. During the summer, the polar regions receive more sunlight, causing primary production to increase.

What is a system?

In science, a system is a collection of matter that has distinct boundaries. Systems can be open, closed, or isolated and are defined by whether or not matter and energy can enter or leave.

Describe the following region: Temperate

In temperate regions, primary production spikes in spring when there is an ideal amount of sunlight and nutrients. In the summer, the nutrient level decreases because of the spring activity. In the winter, primary production drops because there is less sunlight.

Why is the ocean blue?

In the ocean, red light is absorbed quickly, but blue light travels the farthest, reflecting mostly blue back to our eyes.

Give an example of the type of system and describe: Isolated System

Isolated systems contain both matter and energy, but unlike open and closed systems, they do not exchange matter and energy freely with their surroundings. A Thermos bottle is a good approximation of an isolated system. These double insulated walls were engineered to keep matter and energy from leaving or entering. Isolated systems are not very common, but our universe is an example of one. Scientists theorize that the amount of matter and energy in our universe remains constant and cannot be exchanged with any surroundings.

How does location affect the productivity of an ecosystem?

It can make organisms more or less productive.

What adaptations allow organisms to live in the intertidal zone?

Many organisms have shells that they can retreat into or close off to prevent drying out, or they are mobile enough to take cover. In order to stand up to wave energy, some animals burrow in the sand or have the ability to attach themselves in place.

Mechanical waves

Mechanical waves, like sound waves, require a medium in which to travel. In fact, the speed of the wave depends on the type of medium it is traveling through. The denser the medium, the faster the wave can travel. This is because in dense materials, the molecules are closer together, allowing the wave to transfer energy easily from one molecule to the next. When a wave moves from one medium into another, the speed changes, causing the wave to bend, or refract.

What are tides caused by?

Ocean tides are caused by a number of factors, including the gravitational force of the moon and the sun, the rotation of Earth, and even the speed at which Earth is traveling around the sun.

What causes ocean tides?

Ocean tides are caused by a number of factors, including the gravitational force of the moon and the sun, the rotation of Earth, and even the speed at which Earth is traveling around the sun.

List and describe the three types of tidal cycles.

Semidiurnal Tide -Occurs in locations with two high tides and two low tides of about the same height each day Mixed Semidiurnal Tide -Occurs where there are generally two high tides and two low tides, but the water level for each can vary Diurnal Tide -Occurs in locations where there is only one high tide and one low tide each day

Why do you think some organisms migrate?

Some marine organisms migrate with the seasonal changes.

How do seasonal changes affect ecosystems?

Temperature and sunlight vary with the seasons. This impacts the level of nutrients found in different regions, and the amount of nutrients can affect the activity of primary producers like phytoplankton. More phytoplankton mean more zooplankton, which fish and larger predators follow and consume.

Trough

The bottom part of a wave. Surfers often start paddling during a trough in anticipation of the following crest.

When do we see color?

The colors we see are light waves that have not been absorbed and are transmitted or reflected to our eyes.

Wavelength

The distance from crest to crest, or trough to trough. Surfers waiting in a lineup bob up and down as wavelengths pass through the water.

Why is the global conveyor belt important?

The global conveyor belt is a connected system of deep and surface currents that circulate the globe. It helps to regulate Earth's climate, nutrient cycle, and carbon cycle.

Amplitude

The height of a wave as measured from the equilibrium to the crest or trough, or basically one half the wave height. Surfers often measure the height of a wave relative to their body, as in shoulder high or waist high.

How does water's movement affect marine ecosystems?

The movement of water affects marine ecosystems by changing abiotic factors, which include: -salinity -nutrients -gas levels -temperature -water along coastlines

Equilibrium

The point in the middle of a successive trough and crest. This is where surfers hang out waiting for the perfect wave.

Describe how a medium might affect waves.

The speed

What is the speed of sound affected by?

The temperature and pressure of the ocean

Frequency

The time it takes for successive crests or troughs to pass through a given location. Surfing is about perfect timing, so surfers examine frequency to judge how fast waves are coming in to shore.

Crest

The top part of a wave. In surfing, this is considered the most rideable part of a wave.

Wave height

The vertical distance between the trough of a wave and the following crest.

How do the currents, waves, and tides affect marine life?

These constantly moving waters make life at the coast difficult, because organisms there are exposed to both the sea and land and must be able to adapt to constantly changing surroundings.

Why are some organisms more successful at surviving than others?

They have better adaptations than others/survival of the fittest/differential reproduction

Mid-Intertidal Zone:

This area is exposed during low tide but otherwise is generally submerged.

High Intertidal Zone:

This area is out of water for the long stretches between high tides.

How are currents created?

Tidal currents occur with the rise and fall of the tide. The vertical motion of the tides near the shore causes the water to move horizontally, creating currents

What is the difference between tides and currents?

Tides create a current in the oceans, near the shore, and in bays and estuaries along the coast. Tides are characterized by water moving up and down over a long period of time. When used in association with water, the term "current" describes the motion of the water.

What is the purpose of a tide table?

To figure out what type a tide you have and to organize the corresponding data

Describe what happens: During destructive interference

Two waves have a displacement in opposite directions. The medium's displacement is lessened or cancelled out where the waves overlap.

Describe what happens: During constructive interference

Two waves have a displacement in the same direction. The medium's displacement is greater than that of either of the original waves where they overlap.

Describe what happens: After interference

Two waves have collided. After producing a net shape based on the type of interference, each wave continues on as it was before.

Low Intertidal Zone:

Usually underwater, this zone is exposed only during the lowest spring tides.

How does climate change affect the marine environment?

Warmer Waters, Unpredictable Extreme Weather, Rising Sea Levels, Chemical Changes

List three ways the ocean's energy can be harnessed.

Wave, current, or tidal energy

Why does the ocean have waves?

Waves are created by energy passing through water, causing it to move in a circular motion.

What causes ocean waves?

Waves can be created by the wind, tides, or underwater disturbances such as earthquakes.

What happens when you change the material through which a wave travels?

Waves carry energy, and that energy can be transferred from one type of matter to another.

How does succession change an ecosystem?

When an event like this destroys an existing ecosystem, there is still some soil and vegetation left, so the process of rebuilding the ecosystem is secondary succession. The tsunami caused tremendous damage to the landscape, but plant and animal life will return to it more quickly. In contrast, an area that is newly formed, like a volcanic island, does not have existing topsoil, so it would experience primary succession. Healthy ecosystems include a variety of plant and animal species, so extremely damaged areas may not recover completely on their own. Because of this, the newly established ecosystem may look very different from the old one.

What happens when two waves meet while traveling through the same medium?

When two waves meet, they cause a period of wave interference, after which each wave returns to what it was doing before the interference occurred. In other words, interference has no effect on the original waves.

Describe three ways waves are created.

Wind-driven Waves, Tidal Waves, Tsunamis

Is it possible to increase the speed of a sound wave?

Yes: From 0 to 1,000 meters: as water temperature decreases, the speed of sound decreases. As water pressure increases, the speed of sound increases.

Reflection

a change in direction of waves

Waves

a continuous and repetitive transmission of energy that travels from one location to the next

Thermohaline circulation

a current driven by temperature and salinity differences in seawater

Longshore current

a current that runs parallel to the shoreline

Rip current

a narrow, strong current that runs perpendicular to the shoreline

Wave interference

a phenomenon in which two waves combine to form a resultant wave of greater or lower amplitude

Medium

a substance that makes the transfer of energy from one location to another possible

Secondary succession

a type of ecological succession which occurs in an area with preexisting soil, after an existing ecosystem has been disrupted

Primary succession

a type of ecological succession which starts in a new environment lacking existing vegetation or living organisms

Upwelling currents

a vertical current that brings water from the ocean bottom to the surface

Terawatt-hours (TWh)

amount of electrical energy provided to customers on a large scale

Diffraction

change in the directions and intensities of a group of waves after passing by an obstacle or through a narrow opening

What are the properties of waves?

crest, trough, equalibrium, amplitude, wavelength, wave height, frequency

How can energy from the ocean be converted into electricity?

from turbines and generators

Differential reproduction

individuals with traits and adaptations suited to their environment are more likely to make it to adulthood and successfully reproduce

What is an area that is most affected by moving water?

intertidal zones

Describe two ways to classify coasts.

location and formation

Zooplankton

microscopic marine animals that are primary consumers in aquatic food chains

Phytoplankton

microscopic marine plants that form the base of several aquatic food webs

Pioneer species

species that are the first to colonize a new or disrupted ecosystem

Sublittoral

the area between the low tide mark and the continental shelf

Intertidal

the area between the low tide mark and the high tide mark

Littoral

the area near shore where sunlight penetrates the entire water column

Ecological succession

the change in species structure of an ecological community over time

Fetch

the distance on the ocean surface over which the wind blows

Ecosystem

the living organisms in an environment that includes the abiotic (nonliving) components

Benthic zone

the lowest ecological region of a body of water, including the sediment layers

Supralittoral

the splash zone above the high tide line

Absorption

the transfer of the energy of a wave to matter as the wave passes through it

Refract

to bend light so that it looks like it is broken

Where does energy come from?

water, all living things, sun

Deep water waves

waves that are in water that is deeper than half their wavelength

Shallow water waves

waves that are in water that is shallower than 1/20 their wavelength

Refraction

what occurs during a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another; bend light

Does the sun affect tides?

yes