Oceans Review

learning the basics of the ocean

Mixed Layer Zone

The warmest ocean layer with the most sunlight, supporting the highest concentration of phytoplankton.

Thermocline Zone

A transition layer where temperature decreases rapidly from about 22°C at the top to 6°C at the bottom.

Deep Water Zone

The coldest and darkest layer of the ocean, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 2°C and no sunlight.

Continental Slope

The steep edge of a continental landmass where upwelling commonly occurs.

Seamounts

Underwater volcanic mountains that have not reached the ocean surface.

Abyssal Plain

A flat and deep region of the ocean floor, largely featureless and covered in sediment.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

A chain of volcanic mountains formed by divergent tectonic plates.

Volcanic Islands

Islands formed from volcanic activity, typically at convergent subduction zones or over hot spots.

Continental Shelf

The shallow, submerged extension of a continent.

Trench

A deep ocean depression formed at convergent subduction boundaries.

Seafloor Spreading

The process that occurs at divergent plate boundaries, where magma rises to create new oceanic crust.

Older Oceanic Crust

Found farther from the mid-ocean ridge, it indicates the age of the ocean floor.

Salinity

The typical ocean salinity ranges from 33-37 ppt (parts per thousand).

Oceanic Salts

Primary sources include volcanic eruptions and river runoff.

Sodium and Chloride

The dominant components of ocean salt, forming sodium chloride (NaCl).

Surface Currents

Currents driven by global winds that transport heat from equator to the poles.

Deep Ocean Currents

Currents driven by density differences due to variations in temperature and salinity.

Thermohaline Circulation

Also called the Global Conveyor Belt, this system links surface and deep currents worldwide.

Upwelling

The process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, enhancing marine life.

El Niño

An irregular climate event that warms the Pacific Ocean and disrupts weather patterns.

La Niña

The opposite of El Niño, strengthening trade winds and increasing upwelling.

Sea Breeze

A daytime breeze where warm air rises over land and cooler ocean air moves in.

Land Breeze

A nighttime breeze where cool air moved from land goes out to sea.

Continental Crust

Separated from oceanic crust by continental slopes and shelves.

Nutrient-Rich Water

Water that supports phytoplankton and fish populations during upwelling.

Magma

Rising material that creates new oceanic crust at divergent boundaries.

Global Weather Patterns

Affected significantly by El Niño climate events.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic marine organisms that form the base of the marine food web.

Volcanic Activity

The process that forms volcanic islands and seamounts.

Magnetic Field Reversals

Recorded in seafloor rock during the seafloor spreading process.

Warm Water

Replaces cold water during El Niño, impacting marine life and weather.

Cold Water

Typically denser than warm water, influencing oceanic circulation.

Trade Winds

Play a role in the development of El Niño and La Niña.

Ocean Density

Affected by temperature and salinity.

Atmospheric Pressure

Rises over cool land and falls over warm land.

Ocean Temperature Changes

Compared to land temperature changes, ocean temperatures change more slowly.

Ocean Zones

Different layers of the ocean characterized by depth, temperature, and light.

Divergent Boundaries

Where seafloor spreading and mid-ocean ridges occur.

Convergent Boundaries

Where deep-sea trenches form.

Deep Ocean Trenches

The deepest parts of the ocean situated at convergent boundaries.

Oceanic Crust

Newly created and older sections found at mid-ocean ridges.

Sea Surface Temperature

Increases during El Niño, affecting weather patterns.

Abyssal Zone

Characterized by its cold and dark conditions, featuring low levels of life.

Primary Ocean Currents

Surface currents that impact climate and weather patterns globally.

Food Webs

Supported by the phytoplankton population in the Mixed Layer Zone.

Historical Climate Data

Recorded through analysis of ocean sediment and magnetic properties.

Seafloor Geography

Influenced by tectonic activity, creating features like mid-ocean ridges and trenches.

Ocean Ecosystems

Diverse habitats affected by currents, upwelling, and nutrients.

Coastal Areas

Sites of significant upwelling and marine biodiversity.

Ecosystem Productivity

Enhanced when nutrient-rich waters are brought to light in upwelling zones.

Heat Transfer

Conducted by surface currents from warmer equatorial regions to colder polar regions.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates that shapes ocean topography.

Water Density Differences

Drive deep ocean currents and stratification in ocean layers.

Marine Life

Varies significantly between different ocean zones and depths.

Ocean Salinity Influence

Determines the physical properties of seawater and affects marine life.

Temperature Gradient

Defines the transition between mixed layer and thermocline zones.

Upwelling Benefits

Provides essential nutrients that enhance marine biodiversity.

Climate Variability

Affected by both El Niño and La Niña events, altering weather systems.

Oceanic Features

Include trenches, ridges, and plains formed by geological processes.

Environmental Changes

Influenced by ocean current patterns and temperature fluctuations.

Tidal Influences

Impact coastal ecosystems and marine life activity.

Water Cycle

Integral to ocean functions and impacts weather systems globally.

Coral Reefs

Benefited by nutrient influx from upwelling but threatened by temperature changes.

Sediment Accumulation

Occurs in abyssal plains, influencing benthic habitats.

Nutrient Cycling

Essential for marine productivity, greatly affected by ocean currents.

Marine Biodiversity

High in upwelling areas due to nutrient-rich conditions.

Seafloor Morphology

Studied to understand tectonic activity and oceanic processes.

Deep Ocean Research

Informs understanding of global climate and marine systems.

Historical Ocean Analysis

Utilizes sediment cores to study ancient ocean conditions.

Warm Ocean Currents

Transport heat and influence climate along coastlines.

Marine Food Sources

Dependent on phytoplankton that thrive in nutrient-rich areas.

Seasonal Climate Changes

Influenced by ocean temperature variations and currents.

El Niño Frequency

An irregular event occurring every 2-7 years.

Deep Ocean Zones

Display significant variation in light, temperature, and marine life.

Microbial Communities

Thriving in nutrient-rich waters enhanced by upwelling.

Ocean Monitoring

Essential for predicting climate effects and marine health.

Surface Water Temperature

Influences weather patterns and marine ecosystem health.

Global Ocean Currents

Interconnected systems that impact climate worldwide.

Ecosystem Services

Provided by healthy ocean systems including fishing and carbon sequestration.

Water Temperature Change

Can disrupt marine life cycles and ecosystem stability.

Thermal Stratification

Occurring in lakes and oceans, impacting mixing and life forms.

Nutrient Enrichment

Can lead to harmful algal blooms if excessive.

Ocean Stability

Defined by the balance of temperature, salinity, and currents.

Marine Research Significance

Crucial for understanding ocean health and changes in ecosystem dynamics.

Ocean Acidification

A result of increased CO2 levels, affecting marine organisms.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Located in regions of high upwelling that support diverse marine life.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

Necessary to maintain healthy fish populations in ocean ecosystems.

Marine Protected Areas

Established to conserve biodiversity and support ecosystem resilience.

Ocean Conservation Efforts

Focus on preserving vital habitats and mitigates human impacts.

External Forces on Marine Systems

Include climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Hydrological Cycle

Interconnected with ocean processes and atmosphere interactions.

Research and Exploration Technologies

Advancing understanding of ocean depths and ecosystems.

Educating on Marine Conservation

Vital for promoting sustainable interactions with ocean ecosystems.

Policy Development

Involves regulations and efforts toward sustainable ocean management.

Global Collaboration

Essential for addressing ocean-related challenges and promoting sustainability.

Long-Term Monitoring

Necessary to detect trends in marine health and climate impact.

Marine Science Advocacy

Focus on raising awareness about the importance of ocean ecosystems.

Community Engagement

Key in promoting healthy stewardship of ocean resources.

Educational Outreach

Crucial for involving the next generation in ocean conservation.