Lectures 1-12

Ocean Interaction

The ocean interacts with chemistry, physics, society, geology, and biology.

Climate Change Effects on Oceans

Climate change causes issues like coral die-off, ocean acidification, and deoxygenation.

Ocean Acidification

The lowering of ocean pH due to increased CO2 levels.

Deoxygenation

The process whereby oxygen levels in ocean waters decrease.

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)

Areas of the ocean where countries have control over resources off their coasts.

Seafloor Topography

The study of the ocean floor, including features like mountain ranges and hydrothermal vents.

Hydrothermal Vents

Underwater openings where heated water dissolves minerals, creating unique ecosystems.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates, leading to geological phenomena.

P-Waves (Primary Waves)

Fast, compressional seismic waves that pass through solids and liquids.

S-Waves (Secondary Waves)

Slower seismic shear waves that only travel through solids.

Moho Discontinuity

The boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, identified by changes in P-wave velocity.

Alfred Wegener

The scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift.

Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, composed of all present-day continents.

Paleomagnetism

The study of the magnetic properties of ancient rocks to understand plate tectonics.

Thermohaline Circulation

Ocean circulation driven by variations in temperature and salinity.

Ekman Transport

The movement of water 90 degrees to the right (or left in the southern hemisphere) of the wind direction.

Upwelling

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients with it.

El Niño

A climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.

La Niña

The opposite of El Niño, with cooler ocean temperatures in the same region.

Ocean Currents

Moving streams of water in the ocean driven by wind and differences in water density.

Thermal Expansion

The phenomenon where water expands as it warms.

Salinity

The concentration of salts in water; typically higher in marginal seas.

Acidic Oceans

Oceans with decreasing pH levels due to pollution and excess CO2.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Cycles that describe the movement of elements and compounds through biological and geological systems.

Heat Capacity of Water

The amount of heat required to change water's temperature, which is relatively high.

Hydrogen Bonds in Water

Weak bonds that form between water molecules, critical for water's unique properties.