Physical Effects of Climate Change (Aquatic)

Which 2 places are melting the fastest (even though they’re the coldest)?

North and South Poles

Why is ice important for polar bears?

For them to get around to hunt

Why is ice important for Inuit people?

For travel and hunting

Which tiny animals start to disappear when ice melts?

Krill

What do krill eat?

Plankton, which grows under sea ice

What are warmer oceans destroying?

Coral reefs, which are important shelters for animals

Coral is an…

Animal that supports algae and algae supports coral

How does algae provide coral with food?

Through photosynthesis

What does coral do to algae in warm oceans and what will happen?

Expel algae. Without it, coral lose colour and many die.

What’s a slowing down ocean currents?

Warming temperatures

Cold water is _____ than warm water, so it ____ and helps drive ocean currents

Denser; sinks

What adds more water to the ocean?

Melting glaciers and snow on land

What increases hurricane strength?

Warmer water