Introduction to Biological Oceanography

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts regarding biological oceanography, addressing stratification, tides, oceanic fronts, upwelling, and thermohaline circulation as discussed in the lecture.

What is biological oceanography?

The study of the biological aspects of the ocean, including marine ecosystems and organisms.

Why is biological oceanography important?

It helps us understand the interactions between marine species and their environment, which is critical for conservation and management.

What are the main aspects of stratification discussed in the lecture?

Thermocline (temperature), halocline (salinity), pycnocline (density), and nutricline (nutrients).

What occurs during the spring in relation to stratification?

Calmer weather, sunshine, and nutrients lead to a plankton spring bloom.

How do tidal currents affect marine life?

They cause mixing, influence predator-prey interactions, and create foraging opportunities.

What type of ecosystems do fin whales and minke whales exploit?

Tidally driven island wake ecosystems.

What are fronts in biological oceanography?

Boundaries between different water masses, such as tidal fronts and upwelling fronts, which have higher productivity.

How does coastal upwelling work?

It is driven by wind, causing the movement of surface water away from the shore and bringing nutrient-rich water to the surface.

What is the role of the Gulf Stream in thermohaline circulation?

It brings warmer water to Western Europe, influencing biological processes in those regions.

What fish species are linked to coastal upwelling?

Anchovy, hake, and sardines, primarily on the eastern sides of ocean basins.

How do sea mounts affect marine biodiversity?

They result in upwelling of nutrient-rich water and can trap plankton, enhancing diversity in deep sea ecosystems.

What is the significance of stratification in the seasonal cycle?

It influences the availability of nutrients and light, affecting plankton blooms and overall marine productivity.

What are the impacts of higher nutrient levels at depth?

They support phytoplankton growth at the thermocline, leading to subsurface chlorophyll maximum.

What is the relationship between kittiwakes and sandeels?

The breeding success of kittiwakes is linked to the abundance of sandeels, which are their primary food source.

How do internal waves influence nutrient mixing?

They increase turbulence at the thermocline, allowing nutrients to mix upwards.

What is the significance of Chagos Marine Protected Area?

It is a region demonstrating the importance of conservation for various marine species.

What potential vulnerability do sharks face in oceanic fronts?

Increased vulnerability to commercial fishing due to their association with productive oceanic fronts.

What adaptations does Illex illecebrosus (short-finned squid) have?

They spawn in low-latitude warm waters and migrate into cooler high-latitude waters as juveniles.

What environmental factors drive the recruitment of squid species like Illex illecebrosus?

Environmental effects, such as changes in temperature and currents, influence their recruitment success.