Global Marine Science Exam Revision Flashcards

Flashcards on global marine science exam revision topics: climate change and plastic pollution.

Marine Heatwaves

Periods of unusually high ocean temperatures lasting days to months with severe ecological impacts, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity due to climate change.

Coral Bleaching

A phenomenon caused by ocean warming, where corals expel algae residing in their tissues, leading to coral mortality.

Ocean Acidification

A reduction in the pH of the ocean, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Deoxygenation

The reduction of oxygen levels in the ocean, which can create 'dead zones' and harm marine life.

Overfishing

The removal of fish from a population faster than the population can replenish itself, potentially leading to resource depletion.

Macroplastics

Large plastic items such as bottles, bags, and nets that pollute the ocean.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles less than 5mm in size, originating from the degradation of larger plastics or from consumer products.

Ghost Nets

Derelict fishing gear that entangles marine life, leading to drowning, injury, and infection.

Plastisphere

Microbial communities that colonize plastic debris in the ocean. Can act as vectors for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, pathogens

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

A large accumulation of plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean, estimated to contain 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic.

UN Plastics Treaty

An international agreement with the aim of creating a legally binding instrument by 2025 to address plastic pollution.

The Ocean Cleanup

A technology-based solution targeting gyres and rivers to remove plastic pollution from the ocean.

Ideonella sakaiensis

A type of bacteria capable of breaking down PET plastic.