Ocean Systems

Question 1

Outline why the day-night variation in ocean temperature is so much less than that of land. Explain why the ocean minimizes changes in atmospheric temperatures.

Answer 1

Because water has a very high specific heat capacity, and requires a relatively high amount of energy input to heat a gram of water by 1 C. Due this fact, the ocean can absorb lots of thermal energy from the atmosphere and minimize changes in atmospheric temperatures.

Question 2

Discuss how the density of water varies as water approaches its freezing point.

Answer 2

As temperature approaches 4 C, the thermal motion of the water molecules decreases and density increases. However, as temperature approaches past 4 C (towards 0 C) the packing of the water molecules changes and its density reduces.

Question 3

Describe features of the euphotic zone in the ocean.

Answer 3

Nearest to the surface (0-200m), enough light for vision and photosynthesis to occur, contains 90% of marine life

Question 4

Describe features of the disphotic zone in the ocean.

Answer 4

200-1000m, photosynthesis cannot occur but there is still some vision, only animals with special adaptions can live here

Question 5

Describe features of the aphotic zone in the ocean.

Answer 5

Beyond 1000m deep, only 1% of sunlight reaches here, only extremophiles exist here