Oceanography and Aquatic Ecosystems Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards about oceanography and aquatic ecosystems.

Ocean

Vast, interconnected saltwater systems.

Sea

Smaller, shallower saltwater systems, often connected to oceans.

Freshwater

Water with low salt concentration, found in rivers, lakes, and streams.

Saltwater

Water with a high salt concentration, found in oceans and seas.

Salinity

The measure of how much salt is in water.

Sodium Chloride

The most common salt found in ocean water.

Continental Shelf

Submerged extension of a continent, between the coast and the ocean basin.

Continental Slope

The drop from the end of the continental shelf to the bottom of the ocean.

Abyssal Plain

Flat, underwater plain found between the continental slope and mid-ocean ridges.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Underwater mountain range formed at diverging plate boundaries.

Trench

Deep depression in the ocean floor, formed at subduction zones.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate is forced below another.

Divergent Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates are moving apart.

Convergent Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates are moving towards each other.

Ocean Current

Continuous movement of ocean water in a specific direction.

Climate

Average weather patterns over a long period of time.

Gulf Stream

Warm ocean current that affects the climate of Great Britain.

Labrador Current

Cold ocean current that sweeps across Eastern Atlantic Canada.

El Nino

A climate pattern.

Tide

Daily changes in water level of the oceans.

High Tide

Highest water level along the coast.

Low Tide

Lowest water level along the coast.

Adaptation

A physical characteristic or behavior of a species that increases its chances of survival in a particular environment.

Euphotic Zone

The upper layer of water where most plants and animals live due to sufficient light.

Bioluminescence

The production and emission of light by a living organism.

Aquatic Ecosystem

An ecosystem located in a body of water.

Gills

Organs used for oxygen exchange in aquatic animals.

Streamline Body Position

An adaptation that reduces drag and allows for easier movement in water.

Ectothermic

Having a body temperature that is the same as the surroundings.

Blubber

Thick layer of fat used for insulation in aquatic mammals.

Fins

Appendages used for movement and control in the water.

Scales

Protective plates covering the skin of fish.

Smooth Skin

An adaptation that reduces drag and allows for easier movement in water.

Smooth Fur

An adaptation that reduces drag and allows for easier movement in water.

Diapause

A period of inactivity to survive in undesirable conditions.

Exoskeleton

External skeleton found in some aquatic animals.

Shell

Hard, protective outer layer of some aquatic animals.

Tube Feet

Small, tubular projections used for movement and catching food.

Suction Cup Feet

Cup-shaped structures used for catching prey and moving near surfaces.

Blowhole

An opening on the head of aquatic mammals used for breathing.

nostrils

The openings on the end of the nose that help with breathing.

Webbed Feet

Feet with membranes between the toes for efficient swimming.

Permeable Skin

Skin that allows for the passage of water and gases.

Baleen Plate

Filter-feeding structure in baleen whales.

Migration Patterns

Seasonal movements to different locations for feeding and reproduction.

Swim Bladder

An internal gas-filled organ that contributes to the ability of many bony fish to control their buoyancy, and thus to stay at their current depth without having to waste energy in swimming.

Cable Roots

Roots that grow horizontally from the main trunk of the mangrove tree.

Support Roots

Roots that grow vertically and server as an anchor for the tree.

Aerial Roots

Roots that grows upwards into the air.

Gray Mangroves

Only mangrove species found in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.