Lecture 8: Oceanic Chemical Properties: Hydrogen Bonds, Acidity, Gases, and Salts

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to the chemical properties of oceans, focusing on concepts such as acidity, density, and the biological implications of these properties.

Hydrogen Bonds

Strong attractions between polar molecules, which influence seawater density.

Electrostriction

The phenomenon where water's polarity attracts dissolved ions, increasing water density.

Density Anomaly

A unique condition where seawater's density varies due to temperature and salinity changes.

Cabbeling

The mixing of two water masses of equal density but different temperatures and salinities, resulting in denser water.

pH Scale

A measure of acidity or basicity in an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

Ocean pH

Typically slightly basic, averaging around 8.1 to 8.2, allowing for natural acid absorption.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that contains high levels of sulfuric acid, damaging terrestrial ecosystems.

Ocean Acidification

The increase in ocean acidity due to human-released atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Carbonic Acid

A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.

Proton (H+)

A positively charged hydrogen ion, which increases acidity when released in water.

Dissolved Calcium and Carbonate Ions

Essential for marine organisms to build shells and exoskeletons; their availability decreases with acidification.

Hypercapnia

A condition of high carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, affecting marine life.

Gas Exchange

The process by which gases move between the atmosphere and the ocean.

Solubility

The maximum amount of gas that can dissolve in water at a specific temperature and pressure.

Euphotic Zone

The upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, supporting high oxygen levels.

Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ)

A layer in the ocean where oxygen levels are low due to respiration and decomposition.

Major Ions in Seawater

The six primary dissolved salts: chloride, sodium, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Residence Time

The average time a substance spends in a particular reservoir before being removed or transformed.

Forchhammer’s Principle

The concept that the proportions of major ions in seawater remain constant, regardless of location.

Terminal Lakes

Lakes with no outlets that accumulate salts through evaporation, becoming highly saline.

pH Change Impact

A decrease in pH units corresponds to a significant increase in acidity, affecting marine ecosystems.