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Oceanography 19' > Exam 2 > Flashcards

Exam 2 Flashcards

1
Q

Heat is measured in

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

calories.

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2
Q

The _______ of water is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1˚C.

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

heat capacity

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3
Q

When light enters seawater,

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

it goes further when the suspended sediment content is low.

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4
Q

The photic zone is

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

the region of the ocean where there is enough light for plants to live.

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5
Q

Why do water molecules form bonds with other water molecules?

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

The opposite sides are attracted to each other.

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6
Q

When water is actually freezing (ice is present with more forming), the temperature of the water

Quiz 2-1 ?

A

does not change

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7
Q

molecule

2-1 Definitions

A

the smallest physical unit of an element or compound, consisting of one or more like atoms in an element and two or more different atoms in a compound.

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8
Q

ion

2-1 Definitions

A

an atom with an unbalanced electrical charge

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9
Q

polar molecule

2-1 Definitions

A

a chemical species in which the distribution of electrons between the covalently bonded atoms is not even.

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10
Q

state of matter

2-1 Definitions

A

defined as one of the ways in which matter can interact with itself to form a homogeneous phase.

4 - Water, solid, gas, and plasma

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11
Q

liquid

2-1 Definitions

A

is one of the states of matter. The particles in a liquid are free to flow, so while a liquid has a definite volume, it does not have a definite shape. Liquids consists of atoms or molecules that are connected by intermolecular bonds.

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12
Q

solid

2-1 Definitions

A

In solids molecules are closely packed. It is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume.

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13
Q

gas

2-1 Definitions

A

a substance or matter in a state in which it will expand freely to fill the whole of a container, having no fixed shape and no fixed volume.

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14
Q

density

2-1 Definitions

A

Salinity and density increase together. As temperature increases, density decreases

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15
Q

salinity

2-1 Definitions

A

is the saltiness or amount of salt dissolved in a body of water

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16
Q

calorie

2-1 Definitions

A

the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius

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17
Q

melting

2-1 Definitions

A

to become altered from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat.

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18
Q

evaporation

2-1 Definitions

A

is when a liquid changes to a vapor, caused by an increase in temperature

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19
Q

boiling

2-1 Definitions

A

the action of bringing a liquid to the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapor.

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20
Q

condensation

2-1 Definitions

A

the process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water. In other words, the water in the air, a gas known as water vapor, from your hot shower cooled when it met the surface of the cold mirror.

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21
Q

absorption

2-1 Definitions

A

describes the process of absorbing or soaking up something

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22
Q

What is the structure of the water molecule? Why is it polar? What is the significance of this polar characteristic?

2-1 Concept

A

structure: two hydrogen (H) and one oxygen (O)- H2O.
why is it polar: unbalanced charge distribution
What is the significance of this polar characteristic: it can bond with other water molecules.

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23
Q

Understand how water changes state from solid to liquid to gas and the amount of heat energy required at each step. What is the effect of increasing salinity on these changes?

2-1 Concept

A

To melt 1 gram of ice, we must add 80 calories.

Pure water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C

In order to warm 1 gram of water from 0 °C to 100 °C, 100 calories must be added

To evaporate water ; 540 calories per gram of water.

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24
Q

How do salinity and temperature combine to control the density of sea water (see also lecture 2-3)?

2-1 Concept

A

ncreasing salinity also increases the density of sea water. Less dense water floats on top of more dense water. Given two layers of water with the same salinity, the warmer water will float on top of the colder water.

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25
Q

What portion of light penetrates ocean water? How far does it typically go? What factors control how far light penetrates? Why is the depth light penetrates important?

2-1 Concept

A

What portion of light penetrates ocean water: sunlight

How far does it typically go: 200 meters (656 feet)

What factors control how far light penetrates? Sediment & photic zone

Why is the depth light penetrates important? affects the food chain

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26
Q

solvent

2-2 Definitions

A

is a liquid that will dissolve solids (also called solutes) to make a solution

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27
Q

parts per thousand (‰)

2-2 Definitions

A

are convenient units for expression concentrations especially for extremely dilute solutions

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28
Q

conservative ion

2-2 Definitions

A

major ions

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29
Q

salts

2-2 Definitions

A

a crystalline compound NaCl that consists of sodium chloride

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30
Q

nonconservative ion

2-2 Definitions

A
  • vary in abundance

- used by plants.

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31
Q

nutrients

2-2 Definitions

A

a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

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32
Q

nitrogen

2-2 Definitions

A

A nonmetallic element that makes up about 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume, occurring as a colorless, odorless gas.

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33
Q

phosphorus

2-2 Definitions

A

.a poisonous, yellow-white chemical element that shines in the dark and burns when in the air

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34
Q

silicon

2-2 Definitions

A

a nonmetal with semiconducting properties, used in making electronic circuits.

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35
Q

salt balance

2-2 Definitions

A

amount of water plus salt entering a system and the amount of water plus salt leaving.

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36
Q

Why is water such a good solvent? Be able to explain in detail using NaCl as an example.

2-2 Concepts

A

Water is called the “universal” solvent because it can dissolve both ionic substances as well as polar covalent substances.

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37
Q

What are the major ions dissolved in sea water (table 2-2-1)? Why are they considered conservative? What is meant by parts per thousand?

2-2 Concepts

A

What are the major ions dissolved in sea water: Sodium and Chloride

Why are they considered conservative: Because do not change in relative abundance. They prefer to keep things the way they are.

What is meant by parts per thousand? 1000 grams per kilogram, (same as grams per 1000 grams)

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38
Q

Why are nutrients considered nonconservative?

2-2 Concepts

A

Why are nutrients considered nonconservative: One, they are present in very low abundance .. The second reason in the plants. When plants grow, they pull nutrients out of the water, thus lowering their concentration.

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39
Q

What are the major sources of salt to the ocean?

2-2 Concepts

A

River water & volcanoes

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40
Q

Water is a good solvent because

Quiz 2-2

A

the polar water molecule surrounds and keeps positive and negative ions separated.

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41
Q

Which of the following is NOT one of the major dissolved ions in seawater?

Quiz 2-2

A

Water (H20)

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42
Q

Salinity is usually given in

Quiz 2-2

A

parts per thousand (‰)

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43
Q

The average salinity of the oceans is about __________ parts per thousand (‰).

Quiz 2-2

A

35

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44
Q

Which of the following are important 3 in seawater?

Nitrate
Silicate
Sulfate
a and b.
a, b, and c

Quiz 2-2

A

a and b

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45
Q

Chloride is a ____________ ion because it is always 55% of the dissolved salts in the ocean.

Quiz 2-2

A

conservative

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46
Q

The lower layer of the atmosphere where the majority of the gas is found.

Quiz 2-3

A

troposphere

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47
Q

The two most common gases in the earth’s atmosphere are:

Quiz 2-3

A

nitrogen and oxygen

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48
Q

The amount of solar radiation (calories) at the surface of the earth per square meter is greatest

Quiz 2-3

A

near the equator.

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49
Q

Air becomes less dense and rises the most when it is

Quiz 2-3

A

warm and wet

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50
Q

Adding water vapor to dry air

Quiz 2-3

A

decreases the density

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51
Q

The heat budget of the earth is the

Quiz 2-3

A

balance between energy received from the sun and outgoing energy lost to space.

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52
Q

atmosphere

Definitions 2.3

A

gaseous envelope surrounding the earth; the air.

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53
Q

troposphere

Definitions 2.3

A

the lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the earth’s surface

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54
Q

stratosphere

Definitions 2.3

A

the layer of the earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere

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55
Q

carbon dioxide

Definitions 2.3

A

a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. It is naturally present in air

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56
Q

nitrogen

Definitions 2.3

A

the chemical element of atomic number 7, a colorless, odorless unreactive gas that forms about 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere

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57
Q

water vapor

Definitions 2.3

A

is constantly cycling through the atmosphere. Water evaporates from the Earth’s surface and rises on warm updrafts into the atmosphere.

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58
Q

density of air

Definitions 2.3

A

the mass per unit volume of Earth’s atmosphere.

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59
Q

heat budget

Definitions 2.3

A

Gains and losses of heat to maintain a constant average temperature by radiation and reradiation

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60
Q

solar radiation

Definitions 2.3

A

radiant energy emitted by the sun from a nuclear fusion reaction that creates electromagnetic energy.

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61
Q

infrared radiation

Definitions 2.3

A

Electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength approximately between 1 micrometre and 1 millimetre; perceived as heat.

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62
Q

Know the how temperature and water vapor content control the density of air.

Concepts 2.3

A

Hot air rises is because it is less dense. At higher temperatures, the gas molecules of air have greater energy and each molecule takes up more space so the gas expands = fewer molecules per volume, or lower density. By the same token, cold air is more dense, so cold air sinks.

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63
Q

How does the amount of solar radiation vary between the equator and the poles? There are two different reasons, know both of them.

Concepts 2.3

A

first, the sun is directly over the tropics (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) and so the sunlight comes straight down through the atmosphere at nearly a 90° angle.

The second reason the Equator is warmer is because more of the incoming sunlight is reflected back to space at high latitudes.

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64
Q

How does earth’s surface temperature vary between the equator and the poles? And with the seasons? And between land and ocean?

Concepts 2.3

A

The tilt of the Earth’s axis causes the difference in temperature between the Equator and Earth’s polar regions. While the Equator receives direct light from the sun at all times of the year, the tilted axis prevents the poles from receiving such prolonged exposure. The tilt causes various other effects, such as the extreme length of day and night at polar locations.

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65
Q

What is meant by the earth’s heat budget?

Concepts 2.3

A

is the balance between incoming solar radiation (heat) and outgoing radiation (mostly infrared radiation). It is called a budget because it apparently stays pretty even over long periods of time.

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66
Q

Why do surface ocean temperatures vary more in temperate regions than in tropical or polar waters? Both solar radiation and sea ice formation should be included in your answer.

Concepts 2.3

A

The heat capacity of water is very high–much higher than the heat capacity of earth. So, when long summer days warm up the earth, the ocean absorbs the same heat without changing temperature nearly as much. This is much the same as putting an empty pan on a stove (land heats up quickly) versus putting a pan full of water on the same stove (ocean heats up much slower). The reverse is also true: the ocean takes longer to cool down when short winter days let the land chill.

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67
Q

greenhouse effect

Definitions 2.4

A

the trapping of the sun’s warmth in a planet’s lower atmosphere, due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet’s surface.

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68
Q

greenhouse gas

Definitions 2.4

A

Absorb long wave radiation and retain heat in the atmosphere

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69
Q

glacial period

Definitions 2.4

A

any period of time during which a large part of the earth’s surface was covered with ice

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70
Q

interglacial period

Definitions 2.4

A

is a geological interval of warmer global average temperature lasting thousands of years that separates consecutive glacial periods within an ice age.

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71
Q

Medieval Warm Period

Definitions 2.4

A

uring which warmer temperatures existed in many parts of the world.

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72
Q

Little Ice Age

Definitions 2.4

A

expansion of mountain glaciers and cooling of global temperatures, especially in the Alps, Scandinavia, Iceland, and Alaska.

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73
Q

global warming

Definitions 2.4

A

a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.

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74
Q

industrial revolution

Definitions 2.4

A

increased air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels and the use of artificial substances such as plastics have present environmental problems and rapid purchasing of natural resources.

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75
Q

fossil fuels

Definitions 2.4

A

a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

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76
Q

What is climate change? What causes natural climate change?

Concepts 2.4

A

What is climate change: the amount of solar radiation we receive from the sun.

What causes natural climate change: Milankovitch cycles lead to more or less solar radiation over time. Other factors include large volcanic eruptions, the position of the continents, the rate of sea floor spreading.

77
Q

How is man changing CO2? How can this change climate?

Concepts 2.4

A

burning fossil fuel ((coal, oil, and natural gas)

Fossil fuels are stored carbon, and when they are burned they release their carbon in the form of CO2 gas. All of the stored CO2 is thus put back into the atmosphere at rates far exceeding natural processes.

In addition, the widespread logging of forests also contributes to CO2, particularly when the forests cannot grow back

As a result, atmospheric CO2 levels have been steadily rising and are expected to double from pre-1700 levels by 2050.

78
Q

The Greenhouse Effect refers to

Quiz 2.4

A

the way gases like water vapor and CO2 let in sunlight but trap outgoing heat

79
Q

The atmosphere on Venus is mostly CO2 so the greenhouse effect predicts that surface temperatures on Venus are

Quiz 2.4

A

much warmer than on Earth.

80
Q

Rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are caused by:

Quiz 2.4

A
  • using coal to generate electricity.
  • using gasoline in cars.
  • burning natural gas for heat.
81
Q

The Global Warming hypothesis says

Quiz 2.4

A

rising greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are increasing global temperatures.

82
Q

Global temperatures do not change unless humans change the atmosphere. T/F?

Quiz 2.4

A

False

83
Q

The cool period that followed the Medieval Warm Period:

Quiz 2.4

A

Little Ice Age

84
Q

A wind blowing from the south to the north is called a __________ wind. (Hint: Don’t over-think this one.)

Quiz 2.5

A

south

85
Q

The Coriolis effect causes currents and winds to

Quiz 2.5

A

deflect to the clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

deflect to the counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

86
Q

A north wind blowing in the northern hemisphere will deflect in a _____________ direction due to the Coriolis effect.

Quiz 2.5

A

clockwise

87
Q

The doldrums are

Quiz 2.5

A

an area with little to no winds.

88
Q

The wind band between the horse latitudes and the doldrums in the Southern Hemisphere:

Quiz 2.5

A

Southeast trade winds

89
Q

The wind bands that start at each pole are called

Quiz 2.5

A

polar easterlies.

90
Q

The land effect on winds is caused by the different ____________ of water versus land.

Quiz 2-6

A

heat capacity

91
Q

A local shore wind controlled only by daily temperature variation between land and water will blow __________ during the night.

Quiz 2-6

A

offshore

92
Q

A monsoonal climate has very __________ summers and very ________ winters.

Quiz 2-6

A

wet, dry

93
Q

The monsoonal rains of India are caused by

Quiz 2-6

A

warm air rising as the Asian continent heats up during the summer

warm moist air flowing north and being deflected up over the Himalayan Mountains

94
Q

Which two continents show areas of monsoon-type climate?

Quiz 2-6

A

Asia and North America

95
Q

A rain shadow will be found

Quiz 2-6

A

on the land-side (leeward) of coastal mountains.

96
Q

______________ is when a water current is started by the wind.

Quiz 2-7

A

Ekman transport

97
Q

In the Northern Hemisphere, the surface current of the open ocean moves

Quiz 2-7

A

45 degrees to the right (clockwise) of the wind.

98
Q

A north wind produces an ocean surface current that flows from the ___________ to the ___________ in the Northern Hemisphere

Quiz 2-7

A

northeast, southwest

99
Q

The North Equatorial current is directly created by the

Quiz 2-7

A

Northeast Trade Winds

100
Q

The strong current flowing south along the east side of the Atlantic Ocean:

Quiz 2-7

A

Canary Current

101
Q

Ireland is at the same latitude as Central Canada. It has a much warmer climate because the ___________ current brings warm water to Ireland.

Quiz 2-7

A

Gulf Stream

102
Q

Coriolis effect

Definitions 2.5

A

the apparent deflection of moving air relative to the Earths’s surface: because the earth is wider at the equator which means the earth spins faster at the equator

103
Q

wind bands

Definitions 2.5

A

Wind always named for what direction they ORIGINATE (oceans are opposite), Trade winds: occur between 0 and 30 N and S: surface wind blowing towards equator,

104
Q

NE trade winds

Definitions 2.5

A

0 to 30 N

blow out of the northeast

105
Q

SE trade winds

Definitions 2.5

A

0 to 30 S

winds just south of the equator are coming out of the southeast

106
Q

westerlies

Definitions 2.5

A

between 30 - 60 N and S, surface wind blows from 30 to 60

107
Q

polar easterlies

Definitions 2.5

A

Between 60 - 90 N and S, surface winds blow from 90 to 60 degrees

108
Q

doldrums

Definitions 2.5

A

at equator where rising air produces still surface winds

109
Q

horse latitudes

Definitions 2.5

A

at 30 N and S where sinking air produces still surface winds

110
Q

The Coriolis Effect causes winds and current to bend: which direction in the Northern Hemisphere? Southern Hemisphere?

Concepts 2.5

A

The Coriolis effect bends the direction of surface currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere

NORTH, RIGHT… SOUTH, LEFT

111
Q

Why are surface winds unsteady in the doldrums and horse latitudes?

Concepts 2.5

A

Doldrums: it is directly under rising air and really between two bands of the trade winds
Horse latitudes: air is coming down at 30 N and S and at the poles it is rising at 60 N and S

112
Q

land effect

Definitions 2.6

A

Air warms and cools along with the surface of the earth, since it is fairly transparent to incoming solar radiation but absorbs outgoing radiation (see lecture 2-4). So the air temperature roughly follows the surface temperature. Obviously the sun is the ultimate source of the heat, but the air gets a lot of heat radiated from the planet. Warm land or warm water will give off heat and make the air warm; cold land or water will absorb heat, making the air cool. Since land heats up (and cools down) faster than water, this sets up a difference between the two: the Land Effect. This difference (land warmer or cooler than the water) shows up both from the daily heat changes (day versus night) and from seasonal heat changes (summer versus winter). The daily changes produce local land effect winds; the seasonal changes produce large, continent scale land effect winds.

113
Q

onshore breeze

Definitions 2.6

A

any wind that blows from a large body of water toward or onto a landmass

114
Q

offshore breeze

Definitions 2.6

A

any wind that blows from a large body of water toward or onto a landmass

115
Q

monsoon climate

Definitions 2.6

A

experiences abundant rainfall like that of the tropical rain forest climate, but it is concentrated in the high-sun season. Being located near the equator, the tropical monsoon climate experiences warm temperatures throughout the year.

116
Q

summer monsoon

Definitions 2.6

A

During summer in India and Southeast Asia, hot air rises over the land, creating a low pressure system.

117
Q

winter monsoon

Definitions 2.6

A

cool land creates low pressure cell. Moves wind out to the ocean, producing cool, dry weather

118
Q

rain shadow

Definitions 2.6

A

a dry area on the leeward side of a mountainous area (away from the wind).

119
Q

What causes onshore and offshore breezes? And at what time of day does each occur?

Concepts 2.6

A

Onshore:
- land warms air and rises while air over ocean stays cool and sinks
-cool air moves in from the ocean
Time of day: mid-afternoon

Offshore:
-Land cools the air and sinks while water stays the same over the ocean, which is warmer and rises from the ocean
-warm air moves in from land to sea
Time of day: right before dawn

120
Q

What causes monsoons? What time of year is it dry versus wet in areas with a monsoon climate? Where are monsoon climates found? Why are monsoons only common in the Northern Hemisphere?

Concepts 2.6

A

onshore and offshore breezes on a global scale rather than local as in breezes.
-temperature variation of land and sea

Dry Monsoon: winter
Wet Monsoon: summer

Ex: Southeast Asia, North America

They are only common in the Northern Hemisphere because you need a large continent in the highly seasonal latitudes.

121
Q

What is the effect of mountains on wind and rainfall patterns? Which side of a coastal mountain range gets the rain shadow?

Concepts 2.6

A

Summer monsoon:
As the onshore wind runs into the mountains, it is forced to rise, and as it rises, it cools and water vapor condenses into monsoon rains.

Winter monsoon:
The continent cools down but the ocean stays the same temperature. Now the cold air over the continent pushes out into the ocean, and now there is no rain over the location because the air has already dried before being forced up.

Land side of the mountain

122
Q

Ekman transport

Definitions 2.7

A

Net water transport, the sum of layer movement due to the Ekman spiral. Theoretical Ekman transport in the Northern Hemisphere is 90_ to the right of the wind direction.

123
Q

Ekman spiral

Definitions 2.7

A

A theoretical model of the effect on water of wind blowing over the ocean. Because of the Coriolis effect, the surface layer is expected to drift at an angle of 45° to the right of the wind in the Northern Hemisphere and 45° to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Water at successively lower layers drifts progressively to the right (N) or left (S), though not as swiftly as the surface flow.

124
Q

Ekman layer

Definitions 2.7

A

the layer in a fluid where the flow is the result of a balance between pressure gradient, Coriolis and turbulent drag forces

125
Q

ocean gyre

Definitions 2.7

A

Circuit of mid-latitude currents around the periphery of an ocean basin. Most oceanographers recognize five gyres plus the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

126
Q

North Equatorial Current

Definitions 2.7

A

East-to-west or west-to-east current linking the eastern and western boundary currents.

127
Q

Gulf Stream

Definitions 2.7

A

The strong western boundary current of the North Atlantic, off the Atlantic coast of the United States.

128
Q

North Atlantic Current

Definitions 2.7

A

part of a clockwise-setting ocean-current system in the North Atlantic Ocean, extending from southeast of the Grand Bank, off Newfoundland, Canada, to the Norwegian Sea, off northwestern Europe.

129
Q

Canary Current

Definitions 2.7

A

a wind-driven surface current that is part of the North Atlantic Gyre.

branches south from the North Atlantic Current and flows southwestward along the northwest coast of Africa as far south as Senegal before turning westward to eventually join the Atlantic North Equatorial Current.

130
Q

heat budget

Definitions 2.7

A

heat enters our earth and the way it is retained is the reason that there is life on our planet

131
Q

What is an Ekman spiral? What causes it? Be able to determine surface current direction and net transport direction for a given wind direction. (Hint: use sketches to help with this.)

Concepts 2.7

A

progressive spiral of water
-When wind blows across the surface of water, it starts and surface current, and the Coriolis effect means this surface current bends. It ends up flowing 45 degrees to the wind, clockwise in the NH and counterclockwise in the SH.

132
Q

Explain what causes the ocean gyres. For this, be able to describe how each of the four currents that make up the North Atlantic Gyre forms. How does the South Atlantic Gyre differ from the North Atlantic Gyre?

Concepts 2.7

A
  • E to W pushed by trade winds
  • W to E pushed by Westerlies
  • Connected by N and S currents
133
Q

Explain how the ocean gyres help balance the heat budget of the earth. For the North Atlantic Gyre, which are warm water currents and which are cool water currents.

Concepts 2.7

A

a large part of how the earth adjusts to the imbalance of heat

  • The western currents in each gyre all flow from the equator toward higher latitudes, which are warmer current. This carries the warmer currents toward colder and higher latitudes.
  • At the same time, all of the eastern currents flow towards the equator. These are cold currents bringing freshly chilled water back to the equator to be warmed.
134
Q

Ireland and Alberta, Canada are at the about the same latitude. Why does Ireland have a much warmer climate?

Concepts 2.7

A

Gulf Stream carries warmer water from the Gulf of Mexico and heats the atmosphere

135
Q

coastal upwelling

Definitions 2.8

A

Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. Water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away.

136
Q

coastal downwelling

Definitions 2.8

A

Occurs when wind causes surface water to build up along a coastline and the surface water eventually sinks toward the bottom.

137
Q

South Equatorial Current

Definitions 2.8

A

a broad, westward flowing current that extends from the surface to a nominal depth of 100 m.

138
Q

Australia

Definitions 2.8

A

normal conditions: wet

139
Q

Peru

Definitions 2.8

A

normal conditions: dry

140
Q

El Niño

Definitions 2.8

A

A southward-flowing nutrient-poor current of warm water off the coast of western South America, caused by a breakdown of trade-wind circulation.

141
Q

La Niña

Definitions 2.8

A

An event during which normal tropical Pacific atmospheric and oceanic circulation strengthens and the surface temperature of the eastern South Pacific drops below average values; usually occurs at the end of an ENSO event. See also ENSO.

142
Q

Dynamic equilibrium

Definitions 2.8

A

An equilibrium system is where everything is balanced and not changing noticeably. A dynamic equilibrium, in contrast, is where the system (in this case global climate) fluctuates around an average value, sometimes higher, sometimes lower.

143
Q

glacial period

Definitions 2.8

A

a period in the earth’s history when polar and mountain ice sheets were unusually extensive across the earth’s surface.

144
Q

interglacial period

Definitions 2.8

A

a geological interval of warmer global average temperature lasting thousands of years that separates consecutive glacial periods within an ice age.

145
Q

Coastal upwelling occurs when

quiz 2.8

A

Ekman transport is offshore

146
Q

An El Niño is

quiz 2.8

A

unusually warm waters off South America in December.

147
Q

During an El Niño year, California can expect

quiz 2.8

A
  • heavy rain and flooding.
  • large storm waves and coastal erosion of homes.
  • large mudslides of rain-soaked hill sides.
148
Q

The common climate effects of El Niño include

quiz 2.8

A
  • droughts in Australia and India.

- flooding in South America and the southern United States.

149
Q

A La Niña is identified by

quiz 2.8

A

colder temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

150
Q

Most of the time the water off of Peru is ________; during an El Niño event the water is _________.

quiz 2.8

A

cold; warm

151
Q

stable water mass

Definitions 2.9

A

is one with light (less dense) water on top, so it tends to remain in place. Light things float, if they are already at the surface, they will stay there.

152
Q

unstable water mass

Definitions 2.9

A

heavier (more dense) water is on the top, and it will tend to move rather than remain in place. So cold water sinks toward the bottom causing deeper water to rise and replace it

153
Q

overturn

Definitions 2.9

A

a system of surface and deep currents encompassing all ocean basins. It transports large amounts of water, heat, salt, car- bon, nutrients and other substances around the globe, and connects the surface ocean and atmosphere with the huge reservoir of the deep sea.

154
Q

thermohaline

Definitions 2.9

A

a part of the large-scale ocean circulation that is driven by global density gradients created by surface heat and freshwater fluxes

155
Q

upwelling

Definitions 2.9

A

a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface.

156
Q

downwelling

Definitions 2.9

A

a downward current of surface water in the ocean, usually caused by differences in the density of seawater.

157
Q

sea ice

Definitions 2.9

A

is frozen ocean water. It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean.

158
Q

insulator

Definitions 2.9

A

A material or an object that does not easily allow heat, electricity, light, or sound to pass through it.

159
Q

North Atlantic deep water

Definitions 2.9

A
  • in the northern subpolar latitudes, large masses of deep water form in the Norwegian sea…it then flows as subsurface current into the N. Atlantic
  • less dense than Antarctic bottom water
160
Q

Antarctica bottom water

Definitions 2.9

A
  • in southern subpolar latitudes, cold high density water along the Antarctic continent sink down the continental slope and become this
  • densest water in the open ocean
161
Q

Antarctica intermediate water

Definitions 2.9

A
  • deep water mass formed from sinking at the Antarctic convergence
  • not as dense as the N. Atlantic deep water
162
Q

How do changes in salinity &/ or temperature stimulate vertical circulation in the oceans?

Concepts 2.9

A

.

163
Q

What is the average salinity of the ocean? How does sea surface salinity vary from the equator to the poles? What is the effect of each of the controls on this variation: precipitation, evaporation, sea ice and rivers?

Concepts 2.9

A

average salinity of the ocean is a constant 35 parts per thousand

So any variation in salinity comes not from the salt but from the water. How does the salinity change? By increasing or decreasing the amount of water in the ocean. Rain adds water to the ocean, and evaporation takes it away. Rivers also add water to the ocean, but their effect is more local. Freezing the surface to form sea ice takes water out since sea ice is pure H2O but thawing the ice puts the water back in so the change is seasonal

164
Q

Where does thermohaline downwelling occur and why? You should be able to explain how each of the three main water masses in the Atlantic Oceans is each generated: where, when, why, where does it go?

Concepts 2.9

A

not sure…

165
Q

Why is sea ice limited to about 2 m in thickness in any single season? Why is sea ice limited to total thickness of only 3m to 5m? (Hint: both questions have the same answer.)

Concepts 2.9

A

, ice freezes from the top down. To freeze ice, heat has to be removed from the water and escape into the atmosphere. Once a layer of ice has formed, it acts as an insulator, protecting the underlying water from the cold air above.

166
Q

If the density of the water increases with depth (heavier on the bottom), the water column is

Quiz 2.9

A

stable.

167
Q

Deep ocean circulation caused by water masses with different density is called

Quiz 2.9

A

thermohaline circulation.

168
Q

The salinity of the ocean at the equator is ___________ than average because of high ___________ under the rising air of the doldrums.

Quiz 2.9

A

lower, rainfall

169
Q

As sea ice forms

Quiz 2.9

A

the remaining water gets more salty.

170
Q

Thermohaline downwelling occurs

Quiz 2.9

A

in the North Atlantic Ocean, near Greenland.

171
Q

The water that sinks off the coast of Antarctica:

Quiz 2.9

A

Antarctic Bottom Water

172
Q

float method

Definitions 2.10

A

A method of current study that depends on the movement of a drift bottle or other free-floating object.

173
Q

drogue current drifter

Definitions 2.10

A
  • more high-tech
  • an be tracked using radar
  • even GPS

The “drogue” part is a parachute that floats beneath surface and gives the current something to push.

While much more expensive, these also provide much more data as they are tracked for weeks or months.

174
Q

flow method

Definitions 2.10

A

A method of current study that measures the current as it flows past a fixed object.

175
Q

what is the float method of measuring ocean currents? Why is this method used mainly for the ocean gyres and not for coastal areas?

concept 2.10

A

involves dropping something in the ocean and tracking where it goes.

not sure….

176
Q

What is the flow method of measuring ocean currents? Why is this method used mainly in coastal areas?

concept 2.10

A

places a current meter in one place and measures water flow past it

not sure…

177
Q

What data were needed to document thermohaline circulation in the oceans? How were these data collected?

concept 2.10

A

not sure

178
Q

What data are needed to document thermohaline circulation in the oceans?

A
  • water temperature from the surface to the sea floor

- salinity from the surface to the sea floor

179
Q

A sampling device to get deep ocean water samples.

A

Nansen (reversing) water bottle

180
Q

A drogue current drifter is a device for

A

tracking the surface ocean currents

181
Q

In shallow coastal waters, your best choice for measuring ocean currents is a(n)

A

flow meter

182
Q

What are the three major nutrients in seawater? Why are they important? Concepts 2.2

A

As on land, plants need nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to grow. However, silicon (Si) is also important because diatoms need silicon to build their hard outer coverings

183
Q

What are the major sinks to the ocean? 2.2 concepts

A

sediments and mid-oceanic ridge volcanoes

184
Q

What is meant by the salt balance? 2.2 concepts

A

The hydrologic cycle is constantly taking water out of the oceans and raining it down on the land. All of the surface water works to weather rocks into sediment and dissolved components.

EX: This is just the same as your checking account. If you want the balance in your account to stay about the same, you need to add money at about the same rate as you take money out to pay bills or go to the movies.

185
Q

What is the role of carbon dioxide in the Greenhouse Effect? Does this only work on Earth? Why or why not?

Concepts 2.4

A
  • If you were to have too much CO2 in the atmosphere, then the temperature would be much higher. (Ex: Venus)
  • This only works on earth because if you have too little CO2 then the air is too cold, and if you have too much then you have a much hotter universe.
186
Q

Explain how coastal upwelling occurs on the west coast of South America. You should include the process that causes upwelling (Ekman Transport) and the wind that drives it. Why is this upwelling important to fisheries of Peru?

concepts 2.8

A
  1. The SE Trade Winds push water away from the coast of South America (upwelling).
  2. The Ekman Transport offshore gives upwelling 200-400 m deep from below the Ekman Layer.
    This upwelling is important for supplying nutrients for fish and plant life.
187
Q

What is El Nino? How is it first identified? What are some of the global climate effects of El Nino? What areas usually get droughts during an El Nino? What areas usually get flooding?

concepts 2.8

A

El Nino is a change in Pacific conditions caused by the trade winds dying down. The water moves from the west to the east since there is no wind holding the water anymore. It brings in warmer waters to Peru, and impacts the entire world climate.

Global effects:

  • drought in the western pacific (Australia)
  • flooding in the eastern pacific (Peru)
  • but almost entire world impacted (ripple effect)
188
Q
  1. El Nino has global climate upset. What are the predicted effects in Illinois? How about California?

concepts 2.8

A
  • Midwest has a warmer winter

- California will get more rain/snow in the northern part of the state

189
Q
  1. What is la Nina? How is it different than El Nino?

concepts 2.8

A

apart of the ENSO cycle, cooler temperatures than normal

  • average to cooler in the midwest
  • wetter in the northwest
  • drier and warmer in the south

Oceanography 19' (7 decks)

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