Binder notes Flashcards
AOU equation
AOU = [O2]sat - [O2]obs
Equation to calculate changes in nitrate and phosphate from AOU
P = Po + (AOU/138) N = No + 16*(AOU/138)
If there is no calcium carbonate production or dissolution, does carbonate alkalinity change?
No.
What elements can be limiting in the ocean?
Fe, N, P, Si
What microbe mediated respiratory process yields almost as much energy as aerobic respiration?
Denitrification
Why is aerobic respiration the favored OM oxidation pathway when O2 is available?
It has the greatest energy yield.
Which ratio(s) are more variable C:P, N:P, or C:N
C:P and N:P
What are two tracers can be used to date younger water masses?
CFCs and C-14
What is the effect of denitrification on the Redfield ratio?
Denitrification strips nitrate from the water column, which decreases the N:P ratio.
Why are preformed nutrient concentrations characteristic of HNLC regions?
Some areas are nutrient limited. Regions like Sub Arctic Pacific, Equatorial Pacific, and Antarctic ocean are iron limited. Thus, not all of the nutrients are used up by primary productivity.
What are preformed nutrients?
Nutrients that were present in a water mass before downwelling.
Preformed nutrients = total nutrients - regenerated nutrients
What does a positive AOU value mean?
O2 used up through aerobic respiration. O2(sat) is greater than O2(obs).
Why does an increase in AOU relate to an increase in nitrate, phosphate, and carbon dioxide?
Because nitrate, phosphate, and carbon dioxide are the inorganic products of OM degradation.
What do microbes use as an e- acceptor during aerobic respiration?
Oxygen
What is the oxidation number of an element in its free uncombined state (or combined with itself)?
Zero.
What does the oxidation state represent?
The total number of electrons which have been removed from an element (a positive oxidation state) or added to an element (a negative oxidation state) to get to its present state.
What is the oxidation state of a monoatomic or polyatomic ion?
The charge of the ion.