AICE Marine Science: Oceanography and Ecosystems

• AICE Marine Science encompasses the study of the ocean, its ecosystems, and its interactions with the Earth system

Oceanography

• Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean

Marine Ecosystems

• Marine ecosystems are diverse, ranging from shallow coral reefs to the deep-sea hydrothermal vents
• Coral reefs are highly biodiverse environments threatened by climate change and ocean acidification
• The open ocean (pelagic zone) supports phytoplankton, zooplankton, and large marine animals
• Deep-sea ecosystems rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis

Marine Organisms

• Marine organisms are adapted to a wide range of conditions, including salinity, pressure, and temperature
• Phytoplankton are the primary producers in marine ecosystems, forming the base of the food web
• Zooplankton are microscopic animals that feed on phytoplankton and are a food source for larger animals
• Marine fish exhibit diverse adaptations for feeding, locomotion, and reproduction
• Marine mammals include whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters, which have adaptations for aquatic life

Ocean Chemistry

• Seawater is a complex solution containing dissolved salts, gases, and organic matter
• Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in seawater, typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt or ‰)
• Temperature affects the density of seawater, with colder water being denser than warmer water
• Dissolved oxygen is essential for marine life and varies with temperature, salinity, and depth
• Ocean acidification is the decrease in pH of the ocean caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Ocean Physics

• Ocean currents are driven by wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation
• Surface currents are primarily driven by wind and distribute heat around the globe
• Deep ocean currents are driven by density differences and play a role in global climate regulation
• Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans
• Waves are generated by wind and transfer energy across the sea surface

Marine Geology

• Plate tectonics shapes the ocean basins and influences the distribution of marine habitats
• Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges where new oceanic crust is formed
• Subduction zones are areas where one tectonic plate slides beneath another
• Sediments accumulate on the ocean floor, providing a record of past environmental conditions
• Hydrothermal vents are found near mid-ocean ridges and release chemicals into the surrounding water

Human Impacts on the Ocean

• Pollution from land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, affects water quality
• Overfishing can deplete fish populations and disrupt marine ecosystems
• Climate change leads to ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level rise
• Plastic pollution is a growing problem in the ocean, harming marine life and ecosystems
• Habitat destruction, such as the destruction of coral reefs and mangroves, reduces biodiversity

Sustainable Use of Marine Resources

• Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated areas to conserve marine biodiversity and habitats
• Sustainable fisheries management aims to maintain fish populations at healthy levels
• Aquaculture, or fish farming, can provide a source of seafood but can also have environmental impacts
• Renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind and wave energy, can reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• Ecotourism can promote conservation and provide economic benefits to local communities

Oceanographic Data Collection

• Satellites are used to monitor ocean temperature, salinity, sea level, and ocean color
• Buoys and research vessels collect data on ocean currents, weather, and water chemistry
• Sonar is used to map the seafloor and detect objects underwater
• Divers and submersibles explore the deep ocean and collect samples
• Data analysis and modeling are used to understand ocean processes and predict future changes

Marine Conservation

• Conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species and their habitats
• Habitat restoration projects aim to restore degraded ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves
• Marine debris removal programs clean up plastic and other pollution from the ocean
• Education and outreach programs raise awareness about marine conservation issues
• International agreements and policies promote sustainable use of marine resources

Key Concepts

• Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem
• Food web: A network of organisms that are interconnected through feeding relationships
• Trophic level: The position an organism occupies in a food web
• Ecosystem services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, food, and climate regulation
• Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Important Processes

• Photosynthesis: The process by which plants and algae convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy
• Respiration: The process by which organisms convert oxygen and glucose into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water
• Nutrient cycling: The movement of nutrients through an ecosystem
• Upwelling: The process by which deep, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface
• Ocean acidification: The decrease in pH of the ocean caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Adaptations of Marine Organisms

• Osmoregulation: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal salt concentration
• Buoyancy: The ability to float or remain suspended in water
• Hydrodynamic shape: A streamlined body shape that reduces drag in water
• Bioluminescence: The production of light by living organisms
• Specialized feeding structures: Adaptations for capturing and consuming prey

Marine Habitats

• Estuaries: Areas where freshwater rivers meet the ocean
• Mangrove forests: Coastal ecosystems dominated by salt-tolerant trees
• Salt marshes: Coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by tides
• Coral reefs: Underwater ecosystems built by colonies of coral polyps
• Kelp forests: Underwater ecosystems dominated by large brown algae
• Deep-sea hydrothermal vents: Areas where hot, chemically-rich water is released from the ocean floor

Marine Resources

• Seafood: Fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms that are harvested for human consumption
• Oil and gas: Fossil fuels that are extracted from the ocean floor
• Minerals: Valuable elements and compounds that are found in seawater and on the ocean floor
• Renewable energy: Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as wind, wave, and tidal energy
• Tourism and recreation: Activities that rely on the ocean, such as swimming, surfing, and boating

Threats to Marine Ecosystems

• Climate change: The increase in global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions
• Ocean acidification: The decrease in pH of the ocean caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the ocean
• Overfishing: The removal of fish from the ocean at a rate that is faster than they can reproduce
• Habitat destruction: The physical alteration or destruction of marine habitats

Conservation Strategies

• Marine protected areas: Designated areas where human activities are restricted to protect marine life and habitats
• Sustainable fisheries management: Practices that ensure that fish populations are harvested at a sustainable rate
• Pollution reduction: Efforts to reduce the amount of pollution that enters the ocean
• Habitat restoration: Actions to restore degraded marine habitats
• Public education: Programs that raise awareness about marine conservation issues