Oceanography Final Exam

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Describe the impact humans are having on the coastal environment, including
development, pollution, and overfishing. Explore solutions to these problems.

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1

Describe the impact humans are having on the coastal environment, including
development, pollution, and overfishing. Explore solutions to these problems.


BLANK are significantly impacting the BLANK environment through rampant development, leading to habitat destruction and erosion, pollution from industrial and urban runoff, and overfishing depleting marine resources. Solutions involve implementing sustainable coastal development practices, enforcing strict pollution control measures, and promoting responsible fisheries management through regulations and community-based conservation efforts.

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2

What are three methods of fishing?

  1. Trawling: Dragging a net through the water to catch fish.

  2. Longlining: Using a long line with baited hooks to catch fish.

  3. Gillnetting: Using a net that hangs vertically in the water to catch fish by entangling their gills.

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3

pelagic

open sea

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benthic

sea floor

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5

marine snow

nutrient material that sinks through the water column

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6

nekton

can swim outside of currents

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7

Describe the theories of continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics, and the lines of evidence supporting each theory

BLANK that continents were once connected; BLANK suggests new oceanic crust formation; BLANK unifies both, supported by geological, paleontological, and geophysical evidence.

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8

Describe the basic marine provinces and features on the ocean floor as well as the basic composition, sources, and distributions of marine sediments

include continental margins, deep ocean basins, and mid-ocean ridges, with sediments sourced from weathered rocks, biological remains, and volcanic activity, distributed by ocean currents.

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9

Describe the physical properties of seawater

exhibits properties like salinity, temperature, density, and pressure, with variations influenced by latitude, depth, and climate, crucial for understanding oceanic processes and circulation.

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10

Discuss the importance of the hydrologic water cycle to the Earth’s system

The BLANK regulates Earth's water distribution, transferring water between the atmosphere, oceans, and land, sustaining life, weather patterns, and climate stability.

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11

Understand the concepts of seawater density and its role in ocean circulation

BLANK influenced by temperature and salinity variations, plays a pivotal role in BLANK as denser, colder, and saltier waters sink, driving the thermohaline circulation that governs the vertical and horizontal movement of ocean currents.

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12

Describe the Earth’s seasonal meteorological events, including global weather and wind patterns that impact the ocean currents

driven by Earth's axial tilt, cause shifts in global weather patterns and wind belts, influencing ocean currents and redistributing heat across the planet.

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13

Discuss how we know about Earth’s climate in the geologic past, and what is responsible for natural climate variability on the Earth over long (geologic) time scales


Paleoclimatology uses ice cores, sediment layers, and fossil records to study Earth's past BLANK. Natural climate variability results from factors like orbital changes, solar radiation, and volcanic activity.

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14

Discuss wave characteristics and motions


  1. Amplitude: The height

  2. Wavelength: The distance between two successive points

  3. Frequency: The number of oscillations

  4. Period: The time it takes for one complete cycle

  5. Velocity: The speed

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15

gonna ask about presentations in class

what are names of people who gave presentations?

research question

Methods

Indi, sharon, carlos, mike

“how has phytoplankton primary productivity changed between jan and july of 03 and 22 in the monterey bay area?”

NOA Coast watch the EDDDAP Avg SST in C at 12 of each march month between 2003-20022 at a single pt in monterey bay

avg primary productivity overall of montery bay fir each march month between 03 22 analyze tine series against multivariete enso index (MEI)

pt 2
Cove, Deeana, Alice

How does Ekman upwelling correlate to harmful algae blooms and Domoic acid poisoning in Ca sea lions

Methods: used CUTI data set for upwelling

used coast watch and the marine mammal center patient directory

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16

not gonna ask about plate tec or contenental drift

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17


Describe what causes ocean tides on Earth

BLANK are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth, creating a cyclic rise and fall of sea levels.

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18

Describe the global ocean circulation and major currents

The BLANK involves interconnected surface and deep-water currents driven by wind, temperature, and salinity gradients, with BLANK like the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Drift, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and the Kuroshio Current playing crucial roles in redistributing heat and influencing climate patterns.

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19

Know and explain features of ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation)

is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming (El Niño) and cooling (La Niña) of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, impacting global weather patterns with widespread consequences such as droughts, floods, and shifts in precipitation.

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20

Describe coastal oceanography

studies the dynamic interface between the ocean and land, examining processes like wave action, sediment transport, and ecosystem interactions in nearshore environments.

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21

Describe the physical pelagic and benthic marine environments, and the general distribution of marine life within these environments

The BLANK marine environment comprises the open ocean waters, while the BLANK environment encompasses the ocean floor; marine life distribution is characterized by surface-dwelling organisms in the pelagic zone, such as fish and cetaceans, and benthic organisms like sea anemones and bottom-dwelling fish inhabiting the ocean floor.

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22

Discuss the role of phytoplankton to the food web, as well as primary production and energy transfer within ocean ecosystems 


BLANK serve as the foundation of marine food webs, conducting primary production through photosynthesis and transferring energy to higher trophic levels, sustaining diverse ocean ecosystems.

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Euphotic/photic zone

surface layer of the ocean that receives sunlight

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not much on ekman

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25

on avg how much is lost between each trophic level

90%

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26

Describe the relationship between the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and heating of the atmosphere. In your explanation, be sure to talk about atmospheric absorption of visible and infrared energy

The concentration of BLANK influences heating by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation. While visible sunlight penetrates the atmosphere easily, CO2 traps infrared energy, contributing to the greenhouse effect and warming the Earth's surface.

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27

What are some greenhouse gases? How do methane and carbon dioxide compare to
each other in terms of how much heat they can trap?


BLANK include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and others. Methane is more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide on a per-molecule basis, contributing to enhanced warming.

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28

Describe what a feedback loop is. What is the difference between a ‘positive’ and
‘negative’ feedback loop.

a system where the output influences the input. A BLANK loop amplifies the original change, while a BLANK loop stabilizes and reduces the impact.


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29

In the current business as usual practice of burning fossil fuels,

what kind of feedback loop are humans facilitating with climate change?


humans are contributing to a positive feedback loop in climate change, amplifying global warming through increased greenhouse gas emissions.

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30

How may we mitigate climate change?

Mitigating climate change involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, preserving forests, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering global cooperation for sustainable practices.

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31

Why are coral reef systems so productive, despite the fact they occur in waters with low
nutrient concentrations


Coral reef systems thrive in low-nutrient waters due to symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae, efficient recycling of nutrients, and diverse ecological niches supporting high biodiversity.

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32

What is an estuary? Which organisms may you find living there? You might need to
consult more than one chapter for this answer.

An BLANK is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. Organisms include fish, crustaceans, and various marine and bird species.

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33

Describe the physical benthic marine environments, and the general distribution of
marine life within these environments

Physical benthic marine environments include the seafloor, ranging from shallow coastal areas to deep abyssal plains. Marine life varies with depth, encompassing diverse organisms like benthic invertebrates and fish.

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34

Name and describe three adaptations to aid in avoiding predation.

  1. Camouflage: Organisms blend with their surroundings, making it difficult for predators to detect them.

  2. Mimicry: Species resemble harmful or unpalatable models to deter predators.

  3. Speed: Rapid movement allows quick escape from potential threats.

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35

Name an example of a cruiser and a lunger. What is different about their muscles? What
role does myoglobin play and why might it help that particular type of swimmer?

An example of a cruiser is the tuna, characterized by red muscle for continuous swimming. A lunger, like a shark, has white muscle for short bursts. Myoglobin stores oxygen, aiding endurance in cruisers.

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36

What is bioluminescence? Which part of the ocean is it commonly used. What are three
reasons why bioluminescence may give a competitive advantage to organisms?

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms. It is commonly found in the mesopelagic zone. Bioluminescence offers competitive advantages by attracting mates, confusing predators, and luring prey.

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37

Describe the physical pelagic marine environments, and the general distribution of
marine life within these environments

Pelagic marine environments include open ocean waters. Marine life distribution varies, with surface-dwellers like fish and whales, and deep-sea organisms adapted to different water depths and conditions.

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38

What is the average trophic efficiency in the ocean? If you have 500,000 units of radiant
energy hitting the ocean’s surface and 2% of it is converted to chemical energy by
phytoplankton, how many units of energy are leftover at trophic level 3 (the
phytoplankton are considered trophic level 1)?

The average trophic efficiency in the ocean is approximately 10%. If 2% of 500,000 units are converted to chemical energy by phytoplankton, 9,000 units are left at trophic level 3.

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39

Describe wind-driven coastal upwelling and how it affects ocean productivity nearshore.
Be sure to include a discussion of the thermocline in your answer and include a
description of what happens to nutrients, temperature, light, phytoplankton, and
zooplankton in your answer

Wind-driven coastal upwelling occurs when winds push surface waters offshore, allowing cold, nutrient-rich waters from below the thermocline to rise. This upwelling enhances nearshore ocean productivity by fueling phytoplankton growth, benefiting zooplankton and the entire marine food web.


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40

What is the Redfield Ratio? What does it tell us about an ecosystem?


The Redfield Ratio is the elemental ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (106:16:1) in marine phytoplankton. It provides insights into nutrient limitations and ecological processes in ecosystems.

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41

What is a Photosynthesis vs. Irradiance curve and what does it tell us?

A Photosynthesis vs. Irradiance (P-I) curve depicts the relationship between photosynthetic rate and light intensity, revealing the optimal light levels for photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems.

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42

Discuss the role of phytoplankton to the food web, as well as primary production and
energy transfer within ocean ecosystems.

Phytoplankton form the base of marine food webs, conducting primary production through photosynthesis. They transfer energy to higher trophic levels, sustaining diverse ocean ecosystems.

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43

be able to describe how marine organisms are adapted to their environment. Topics
could include gas exchange, buoyancy, dealing with temperature, lunging vs. cruising
swimming strategies, dealing with salinity & osmosis, camouflage, water
pressure,dissolved oxygen

Marine organisms adapt through gills for gas exchange, lipid storage for buoyancy, thermoregulation mechanisms, different swimming strategies, osmoregulation for salinity, camouflage, and physiological adaptations to water pressure and dissolved oxygen levels.

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44

What is meant by pelagic, neritic, benthic, and oceanic?

Pelagic refers to open ocean, neritic to coastal, benthic to seafloor, and oceanic to the deep ocean. These terms denote specific zones within the marine environment.

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45

Organisms can be classified as belonging to the plankton, nekton, or benthos. Define
each of these categories. For one of the categories, choose an organism, describe
which group it belongs to in its egg, larval, and adult stages, its method of movement,
and which biological group it belongs to (e.g., protists)


Plankton includes drifting organisms; nekton comprises actively swimming organisms; benthos refers to bottom-dwelling organisms. The copepod, a planktonic crustacean, undergoes egg, larval, and adult stages.

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46

Describe some adaptations of these marine organisms to the varied environments found
in the ocean

Marine organisms have various adaptations to their environments. Plankton may have buoyancy adaptations, nekton exhibit streamlined bodies for efficient swimming, and benthic organisms may have structures for anchoring to the seafloor. Each group has evolved specific traits to thrive in their respective oceanic habitats.

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47

name one example of a phytoplankton, zooplankton, and nekton organism described in
class


An example of phytoplankton is diatoms, zooplankton includes copepods, and a nekton organism is the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).

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48

What role do the benthic organisms play in the ecosystem

Benthic organisms play crucial roles in the ecosystem. They contribute to nutrient cycling, habitat formation, and serve as a food source for various species, influencing the overall biodiversity and functioning of marine ecosystems.

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49

What role do the zooplankton play in the ecosystem? What is the fecal express? What is
sloppy feeding

Zooplankton are key prey for many marine organisms, connecting primary producers to higher trophic levels. The "fecal express" transports nutrients through their fecal pellets, and "sloppy feeding" refers to inefficient feeding and nutrient release during consumption.

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50

What role do phytoplankton play in the ecosystem and ocean carbon budget

Phytoplankton contribute to the ecosystem by conducting photosynthesis, producing oxygen, and serving as the primary source of energy, playing a crucial role in the ocean carbon budget.

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51

Describe the major groups of marine life and their role in the ecosystem

Major marine groups include plankton, nekton, and benthos. Plankton form the base, nekton are active swimmers, and benthos contribute to nutrient cycling and habitat formation.

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52

Describe the major groups of marine life and their role in the ecosystem

Plankton, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, form the base of the marine food web. Nekton, like fish and whales, are active swimmers. Benthos, such as crabs and sponges, contribute to ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.

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53

Explain how petroleum pollution has an impact on the environment and possible
solutions to limiting or mitigating this type of pollution?

BLANK harms marine life and ecosystems. Solutions include stricter regulations, improved spill response, alternative energy sources, and promoting sustainable practices in the oil industry.

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54

What is meant by a non-point source pollutant? Give an example and a strategy for
limiting such pollution.

A non-point source pollutant comes from diffuse, untraceable origins. Example: agricultural runoff. Strategy: Implement best management practices like buffer strips and cover crops to reduce runoff and pollution.

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photoautotroph

organisms that consume light, nutrients and temperature to produce energy

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