Oceanography Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to seawater density, ocean circulation, tides, and various factors influencing climate change.

Density of Seawater Factors

The three factors determining the density of seawater are temperature, salinity, and pressure.

Latent Heat of Vaporization

The heat energy required to convert water from liquid to gas, higher than latent heat of fusion.

Latent Heat of Fusion

The heat energy required to convert ice to liquid water.

Colligative Properties

Properties of solutions that change with the quantity of dissolved solutes.

Salt's Effect on Colligative Properties

Adding salt decreases heat capacity, lowers freezing point, decreases evaporation rate, and increases osmotic pressure.

Residence Time

The average length of time an atom of an element spends in the ocean.

Residence Time of Water in Ocean

Approximately 4,100 years.

Principle of Constant Proportions

The ratio of major conservative ions remains constant regardless of total salinity.

Earth's Heat Budget

The balance of solar energy distribution across the globe, influenced by water vapor and ocean currents.

Hadley Cells

Atmospheric circulation cells that produce Trade Winds, located from 0–30° latitude.

Ferrel Cells

Atmospheric circulation cells that produce Westerlies, located from 30–60° latitude.

Polar Cells

Atmospheric circulation cells that produce Polar Easterlies, located from 60–90° latitude.

Thermohaline Circulation

Circulation driven by density differences due to temperature and salinity variations.

Oceanic Conveyor Belt

A global system of deep-water currents moving water through ocean basins.

Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC)

Carries cold, dense NADW southward along the North American continental margin.

Oxygen Isotope Proxies

Used to study past climates by analyzing the ratio of O-18 to O-16 in foraminifera shells.

El Niño (ENSO) Event

A climate phenomenon where Trade winds weaken, affecting ocean temperatures and causing weather disruptions.

Contourite Sediment Drifts

Deep-sea sediment deposits formed by contour-parallel currents, valuable for studying past climates.

Density Stratification

A vertical density contrast in water layers affecting nutrient and oxygen exchange.

Tsunamis

Shallow-water waves with immense wavelengths influenced by seafloor.

Tides

Shallow-water waves caused by gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Spring Tides

Highest high tides and lowest low tides occurring during full/new moons.

Neap Tides

Smallest tidal range occurring during quarter moons.

Longshore Transport

Movement of sediment along a coast caused by waves hitting the beach at an angle.

Winter Beaches

Narrow and rocky beaches formed by high-energy waves moving sand offshore.

Summer Beaches

Wide and sandy beaches formed by low-energy waves pushing sand onto the shore.

Estuary

A semi-enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

Conservative Ions

Elements in seawater, like chloride and sodium, that maintain a constant ratio.

Ocean Temperature Records

Determined by analyzing isotopes in marine organisms to understand past climate.

Nutrient Depletion

A consequence of disrupted upwelling during an El Niño event.

Ocean Currents

Large-scale flows of seawater driven by thermal dynamics.

Heat Capacity

The amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

NADW

North Atlantic Deep Water, a key component of deep ocean currents.

Deep-Sea Sediment Deposits

Accumulated sediments providing insights into historical ocean conditions.

Climate Change Impacts

Effects of warming temperatures on ocean stratification and nutrient transfer.

Mid-Latitude Cyclones

Weather systems that impact ocean conditions in Ferrel cells.

Oceanic Heat Transport

Movement of heat through oceans, influencing global climate.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous circulation of water between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land.

Thermal Expansion

Increase in water volume due to heat, contributing to sea-level rise.

Biological Pump

Process by which carbon is absorbed by marine organisms and sequestered in the ocean.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants that form the base of the marine food web and impact carbon cycling.

Global Warming Effects

Rising temperatures affecting ocean circulation and marine ecosystems.

Salinity Variations

Changes in salt concentration, affecting water density and stratification.

Coastal Upwelling

Nutrient-rich waters rising to the surface, vital for marine ecosystems.

Water Column Stability

Balance between lighter surface water and denser deeper water.

East Coast Currents

Ocean currents that affect weather patterns along the east coast of continents.

Western Boundary Currents

Warm currents that flow along the west coasts of continents.

North Atlantic Drift

A warm ocean current that significantly affects the climate of Western Europe.

Climate Proxy

A method of obtaining past climate data from natural records.

Surface Currents

Wind-driven currents that affect the ocean's surface layer.

El Niño Effects

El Niño alters weather patterns globally, affecting agriculture and economies.

Tropic Heat Distribution

The uneven distribution of solar energy leading to climate zones.

Lost Ice Sheets

Melting ice sheets contributing to sea-level rise and global climate change.

Oceanic Heat Capacity

The ocean's ability to store heat, impacting global temperatures.

Marine Biodiversity

Variety of life in ocean ecosystems, affected by climate change and ocean acidification.

Decadal Climate Variability

Long-term climate patterns affecting oceanic and atmospheric interactions.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in pH of ocean waters due to carbon dioxide absorption.

Habitats and Ecosystems

Marine environments supporting diverse biological communities.

Anthropogenic Influences

Human activities impacting ocean health and climate systems.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the ocean.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ocean ecosystems, including food, recreation, and climate regulation.

Climatic Drivers

Natural occurrences affecting ocean temperatures and circulation.

Arctic Ocean Changes

Effects of warming temperatures on sea ice and biodiversity in polar regions.

Pollutants and Contaminants

Substances introduced into the ocean that harm marine life and ecosystems.

Oceanic Circulation Models

Mathematical representations used to predict ocean current behavior.

Marine Conservation

Efforts to protect ocean ecosystems and biodiversity.

Integrated Ocean Management

Holistic approach to managing ocean resources sustainably.

Hydrodynamic Forces

Fluid movements that influence sediment transport and marine habitats.

Ocean Exploration

Scientific study of oceanic structures and life forms.

Deep-Sea Research

Investigations into the deep ocean, revealing unique ecosystems.

Benthic Zones

The ecological region at the lowest level of a water body, including the sediment surface.

Pelagic Zones

The open ocean environment, distinct from coastal and deep-sea regions.

Estuarine Environments

Habitats formed where freshwater meets saltwater, vital for biodiversity.

Bottom Currents

Seabed flows driven by density differences and gravity.

Circulation Patterns

The regular movement of water in the oceans influenced by wind and temperature.

Net Primary Productivity

Rate at which producers convert solar energy into chemical energy.

Marine Reserves

Protected areas of the ocean to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Climate Feedback Loops

Processes that amplify or dampen climate change effects.