Salinity & Oxygen: Study of Environmental Parameters

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to salinity, dissolved oxygen, water parameters, and aquatic flora.

Salinity

The measure of all salts dissolved in water, usually expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Oxygen present in water, measured in mg/L, important for aquatic life.

Hypoxia

A condition in water where oxygen levels fall below 4 mg/L, often leading to fish kills.

Refractometer

An instrument used to measure the salinity of water.

Turbidity

A measure of water clarity, affected by suspended solids like sediments and plankton.

Water Temperature

Measured in degrees Celsius (°C), influences and is influenced by seasonal changes and mixing.

Physical Mixing

Processes such as wave action that increase dissolved oxygen in water by enhancing surface interaction.

Photosynthesis

A process that increases dissolved oxygen levels by producing oxygen as a byproduct of converting sunlight into energy.

Sediment

Solid material that settles at the bottom of water bodies, which can affect water clarity and turbidity.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic organisms in water that can affect color and turbidity, often indicating nutrient levels.

Salinity Influence

Salinity levels can be influenced by tidal cycles, especially in coastal environments.

Myrica cerifera

Commonly known as wax myrtle or southern bayberry, a flora species noted in Alligator Pond.