2.1-2.3 marine science

Ocean

Comes from 'okeanos', the Greek god of the sea.

Volcanic Island

An island formed when magma reaches the surface through openings in the Earth's crust.

Seamounts

Underwater mountains that rise hundreds or thousands of feet from the seafloor.

Role of Seamounts in Ocean Life

Seamounts cause deep ocean currents that bring nutrients.

Guyouts

Flattened volcanic peaks formed by currents from above.

Changing Water Levels

Water levels can change when ice melts.

Types of Reefs

Atoll, fringe, and barrier reefs, differing in location relative to land.

Aseismic Ridge

A mountainous structure caused by a hotspot; example: Hawaiian Emperor Chain.

Continental Shelf

A shallow terrace of continental crust forming the edge of a landmass.

Continental Slope

The seaward border of the continental shelf.

Ocean Basin Features

Includes ocean ridges, aseismic ridges, and abyssal hills.

Abyssal Plain Coverage

Covered by organic matter that drifted down from above.

Hydrothermal Vents Discovery

Discovered in 1977.

Hydrothermal Vents

Ventilated steam found at the bottom of the ocean floor.

Location of Hydrothermal Vents

Found near volcanoes, discovered by Robert Ballard.

Compounds from Hydrothermal Vents

Produce sulfur, silica, and hydrogen sulfide.

Temperature of Hydrothermal Vents

Can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boiling Water and Pressure

Water does not boil at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius due to immense pressure.

Archaea Bacteria

Old, ancient bacteria.

Bacterial Mats

Layered communities of microorganisms, similar to plants on land.

Energy Source Around Hydrothermal Vents

Chemical energy from chemosynthesis.

Chemosynthesis vs Photosynthesis

Chemosynthesis uses inorganic chemical reactions, while photosynthesis uses sunlight and chlorophyll.

Tube Worm Energy Acquisition

Tube worms get energy through a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria.

Ventfish Energy Acquisition

Ventfish obtain energy by feeding off other animals such as shrimp.

Cold Seep Formation

Cold seeps are hydrocarbon reservoirs that turn methane into sugar.

Whale Falls

Bodies of dead whales on the ocean floor that are a massive food source for other organisms.

Brine Pools

Areas where the ocean basin is denser due to salt being released from rock.

Thermohaline Circulation

The slow movements of seawater around the world.

Surface Water Movement

Wind moves surface water in the ocean.

Water Movement at the Poles

Caused by density differences from extra salt and cold water.

Global Conveyor Belt

A system of ocean currents transporting water globally.

Path of the Global Conveyor Belt

Travels from north to south pole, recharges, submerges in hot water.

Speed of Global Conveyor Belt

Moves slowly at centimeters per second, taking 1000 years to circulate around the world.

Importance of the Global Conveyor Belt

Vital for the ocean's nutrients and carbon cycles, and is the base of the marine food chain.