Marine biology Test 1

Oceanic Crust

The portion of the earth’s crust that primarily contains basalt, is relatively dense, and is about 5 km thick

Continental crust

The portion of the earth’s crust that primarily contains granite, is less dense, and is 20-50 km thick

Mid-ocean ridge

A continuous chain of underwater volcanic mountains encompassing the earth

Subduction

The downward movement of 1 plate into the earth’s mantle when 2 plates collide

Salinity

The total amount of salt dissolved in a solvent

Coriolis effect

The way in which the rotation of the earth bends the path of winds and resulting sea currents

Gyres

Large, mostly circular systems of surface currents driven by the wind