The World's Oceans

Question 1

Barrier Islands

Answer 1

A long, relatively narrow island running parallel to the mainland, built up by the action of waves and currents and serving to protect the coast from erosion by surf and tidal surges

Question 2

Coral Reef

Answer 2

An erosion-resistant marine ridge or mound consisting chiefly of compacted coral together with algal material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonates

Question 3

Coastal Zone

Answer 3

Ocean zone consisting of the ocean water closest to land, usually defined as between the shore and the end of the continental shelf (the edge of the tectonic plate); characterized by abundant sunlight and oxygen

Question 4

Euphotic Zone

Answer 4

The photic, upper layers of ocean water; the euphotic zone is the warmest region of ocean water and has the highest levels of dissolved oxygen

Question 5

Bathyal Zone

Answer 5

The middle region of the ocean, colder and darker characterized by less density of organisms because it does not receive enough light to support photosynthesis

Question 6

Abyssal Zone

Answer 6

The deepest region of the ocean, marked by extremely cold temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen, but high levels of nutrients because of the decaying plant and animal matter that sinks down from the zones above

Question 7

Coral bleaching

Answer 7

Occurs when acidic conditions cause the coral to expel the colorful algae which provided them with food

Question 8

What causes coral bleaching

Answer 8

The increase in ocean temperatures and dissolved CO2 due to climate change is resulting in more acidic waters causing coral bleaching