Marine Chemistry - MARS 1010

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on marine chemistry, focusing on dissolved gases and key biogeochemical processes.

Dissolved Gases

Gases that are present in seawater, which include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of the ocean due to increased levels of carbon dioxide, affecting marine life.

Nitrogen (N2)

A relatively biologically inactive gas in the ocean, primarily fixed by nitrogen-fixing organisms.

Oxygen (O2)

A biologically active gas, produced during photosynthesis and consumed during respiration.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A gas that is highly soluble in water and biologically active, playing a key role in photosynthesis and respiration.

Biogenic Gases

Gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane produced by biological processes.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter and oxygen using sunlight.

Respiration

The metabolic process in which organic matter is broken down with oxygen to release carbon dioxide and water.

Biological Carbon Pump

The process by which carbon is transported from the surface to the deep ocean due to sinking organic matter.

Thalassogenic Circulation

The movement of water in the ocean driven by temperature and salinity differences, influencing oxygen and carbon dioxide distribution.

Buffering

The ability of seawater to resist changes in pH, primarily through the presence of bicarbonate and carbonate ions.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of the ocean where sunlight is sufficient for photosynthesis to occur.

Solubility

The ability of a gas to dissolve in seawater, which varies with temperature, pressure, and salinity.

Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC)

The total concentration of carbon species in seawater, including CO2, bicarbonate, and carbonate.

Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3 -)

An important buffering agent in seawater that helps stabilize pH.

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

A compound that plays a significant role in the biological carbon pump and is produced by marine organisms.

Metallic Elements (Trace Gases)

Rare gases like argon and helium that do not react and are biologically inactive.