Untitled Deck Flashcards
What role do the oceans play in providing a moderate climate for the Earth?
Heat retention due to high heat capacity, impacting air temperature over water and land
Oceans retain warmer temperatures which contribute to a milder climate.
How do icebergs in the northern hemisphere differ from those in the southern hemisphere?
Northern icebergs are smaller and blockier; southern icebergs are bigger and flatter
This difference in shape is influenced by varying climatic conditions.
Why is evaporation considered a cooling process?
Heat is absorbed during evaporation, leaving the original source cooler
Fast-moving particles transition into gas, taking heat with them.
Why are excess soaps in the environment harmful?
Affects water bonding (cohesion and adhesion) and harms wildlife and ecosystems
Particularly impacts birds and mucusy animals.
Why is ice salt-free?
Salt does not freeze with the ice; it gets forced out
This process results in pure ice formation.
How does adding salt to water affect its freezing/melting point?
Lowers the freezing point of water when mixed
This principle is used in de-icing roads.
Why is ocean water near the equator more saline?
Due to higher evaporation rates and less rainfall
Similar to conditions found in desert areas.
Why is ocean water at the equator less saline than surrounding waters?
Increased rainfall adds more fresh water to the ocean in that area
Tropical weather systems contribute to this phenomenon.
What happens to the molecular structure of water as it freezes?
Bonds spread out and trap oxygen, making ice lighter than liquid water
This is why ice floats.
Why is it critical that ice floats?
Affects wildlife, sea levels, and the Earth’s temperature
If ice sank, ecosystems would be severely disrupted.
How does the ocean become salty?
Through rock erosion and fresh water runoff
Sediment contributes to the salinity of ocean water.
What is the temperature profile of the ocean with depth?
Temperature decreases exponentially with depth due to light absorption
At 1000 meters, pressure and lack of sunlight help regulate temperature.
How is water pressure related to depth in the ocean?
Water pressure increases as depth increases
This relationship is crucial for deep-sea exploration.
What factors influence the color of seawater?
Directness of sunlight and the presence of sediment and organisms
These factors can drastically change the appearance of ocean water.
How do the acoustical properties of the ocean change with depth?
Acoustic properties increase slightly at first, worsen due to temperature, then improve with pressure at about 500 meters
This affects sound transmission in the ocean.
Why do ocean organisms rely less on sight?
Darkness at depth limits visibility; sunlight is absorbed quickly
This adaptation leads to reliance on other senses.
Which color reflects best in the ocean?
Blue reflects best
This is due to the absorption properties of water.
Which color absorbs best in the ocean?
Red absorbs best
This affects how light penetrates the ocean.
