Chapter 9 Flashcards
Compare and contrast the causes of surface and deep currents.
Surface currents are caused by winds. Deep currents are caused by differences in density. All currents are affected by gravity and the Coriolis effect.
Describe the differences between plankton, nekton and benthos.
Plankton float on or near the surface, while nekton are free-swimmers and move throughout the ocean, and benthos live on the ocean floor. Benthos can stay in one place or move around the ocean floor.
Why is a brine pool unique?
Brine pools are areas of water located on the ocean floor that have extremely high salinity levels. The salt in the water does not diffuse into the rest of the ocean.
Explain how bioluminescence helps certain marine organisms.
There is no light in the deep layer. Organisms with bioluminescence have the ability to produce their own light which can be used to attract a mate or prey or to escape a predator.
Must all organisms live under moderate conditions? Explain why or why not.
No. Organisms known as extremophiles are able to live in extreme conditions under which most organisms would never survive.
A __________ is a strong flow of water that returns to the sea.
rip current
Upwelling is prevented when ___________ occurs
El Nino
________ transfer energy from point to point through matter.
Waves
The Coriolis effect, gravity, wind, and density affect _______
currents
Hydrothermal vents occur in the ______ layer.
deep
The ______ zone has periods of submersion and exposure.
intertidal
The _____ layer rapidly decreases in temperature.
transition
Tides are caused by the pull of gravity from the _______ and _________.
moon and sun
Water becomes more dense as it becomes ______ and __________
cold and more salty
