oceanography lab midterm review notes

ai made

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigation that includes steps such as question, research, hypothesis, test/experiment, observe and record, conclusion, and report results.

Data

The collection of observations and measurements.

Measurements

The dimensions, capacity, or amount of something represented by a number.

Metric Prefix: Kilo-

Indicates 1000 units.

Metric Prefix: Hecto-

Indicates 100 units.

Metric Prefix: Deka-

Indicates 10 units.

Metric Prefix: Deci-

Indicates 0.1 units.

Metric Prefix: Centi-

Indicates 0.01 units.

Metric Prefix: Milli-

Indicates 0.001 units.

Converting to Smaller Units

Multiply by 10 or move the decimal point to the right.

Converting to Larger Units

Divide by 10 or move the decimal point to the left.

Volume Calculation

Calculated by the formula length x width x height.

Continental Drift

The concept that continents move over geological time, initially proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Pangea

The supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates and related geological activity.

Divergent Boundary

A plate boundary where plates move apart, leading to the creation of new crust.

Convergent Boundary

A plate boundary where plates come together, leading to the destruction of crust.

Transform Boundary

A plate boundary where plates slide past each other without creating or destroying crust.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries.

Volcanic Arc

A chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plate, typically found at convergent boundaries.

Convection Cells

Circulatory patterns that transfer heat in the Earth's mantle and drive plate tectonics.

Velocity Formula

V = D/T, where V is velocity, D is distance, and T is time.

Sediment Sorting

The measure of grain size uniformity in sediment deposits.

Biogenic Sediments

Sediments that are biologically derived, such as siliceous and calcareous ooze.

Terrigenous Sediments

Sediments derived from land, resulting from the weathering and erosion of rocks.

Salinity

The total amount of dissolved ions in water, expressed in parts per thousand.

Hydrometer

An instrument used to measure the density of a liquid, which increases with salinity.

PSU (Practical Salinity Unit)

A unit of measurement for salinity based on conductivity.

Buffering in Ocean Chemistry

The resistance to changes in pH levels, primarily due to the Carbonate System.

pH Scale

A measure of acidity (0-5) or alkalinity (8-14) based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H^+).

Common Lab Equipment

Includes graduated cylinders, beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

An acid commonly used in lab settings, especially in ocean water testing.