Oceanography and Energetics

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to oceanography, energy transfer, thermodynamics, and primary production processes.

Antarctic Bottom Water

Dense sea water formed in polar regions; high salinity due to sea ice formation.

Sea Ice Formation

Process where salt is rejected when sea ice forms, increasing the salinity of surrounding water.

Kinematic Winds

Winds that drive sea ice formation, contributing to the density of Antarctic Bottom Water.

Arctic Intermediate Water

Characterized as relatively fresh (low salinity) and formed in all ocean basins.

North Atlantic Deep Water

Helps keep Western Europe warmer than regions like East Coast Canada.

Deep Water Waves

Longer waves that travel faster in the ocean.

Tidal Day

One tidal day is longer than one Earth day due to the motions of the Moon and Earth.

Energy Transport

The concept that waves carry energy, which changes as waves get closer to the shore.

Wave Behavior Near Coast

Waves slow down and increase in height as they approach the shore.

Restoring Force

Gravity acts as the restoring force for surface ocean waves.

Longshore Current

Currents formed by waves coming at an angle to the shore.

Wind Influence on Waves

Characteristics of wind-generated waves depend on wind speed, duration, and fetch.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it only transforms from one form to another.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy conversions are never 100% efficient, leading to higher entropy.

Entropy

A measure of disorder in a system; systems naturally tend to become more disordered.

Energy Efficiency

The importance of effective energy use to sustain productivity and manage resources.

Efficiency Loss in Power Generation

Typically, power generation loses up to 60% of energy as waste heat.

End Use Efficiency of Appliances

Varied efficiency levels of different appliances, e.g., incandescent vs. LED bulbs.

Trophic Pyramid

Hierarchical representation of energy transfer within ecosystems.

Primary Producers

Organisms that capture energy from sunlight or chemical sources.

Energy Transfer Efficiency

Significant energy loss occurs as one moves up trophic levels.

Photosynthesis

The process of converting CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and O₂ using light energy.

Basic Formula of Photosynthesis

CO₂ + H₂O + light → organic matter + O₂.

Chemosynthesis

Production of organic matter from inorganic compounds without sunlight.

Diatoms

Major phytoplankton group; significant for carbon regulation in the ocean.

Coccolithophores

Phytoplankton with calcium carbonate plates, known for rapid growth.

Dinoflagellates

Phytoplankton capable of photosynthesis and heterotrophy, associated with red tides.

Radiocarbon Measurements

Methods to measure carbon fixation rates in studies of phytoplankton uptake.

Global Primary Production Levels

Comparison of productivity rates between ocean and land.

Gross Primary Production (GPP)

Total amount of carbon produced by photosynthetic organisms.

Net Primary Production (NPP)

GPP minus plant respiration; available for the next trophic level.

Marine System Efficiency

Marine primary production occurs with lower biomass but generates significant energy.

Dietary Impact of Trophic Levels

Eating lower on the trophic pyramid can increase food resources.

Chemosynthesis Evidence

Shows life can thrive independent of sunlight, especially at hydrothermal vents.

Community Structures in Chemosynthesis

Specialized chemosynthetic bacteria form symbiotic relationships with other organisms.

Whale Falls

Ecosystems supported by carrion from dead whales that enrich microbial communities.

Dispersal Among Communities

Whale falls may connect chemosynthetic communities, aiding genetic diversity.

Hydrothermal Vents

Locations where life relies on chemosynthesis, showcasing unique biodiversity.