Eco 8_29 lecture
21 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What temperature range is typically found in coral reefs?

  • 5 – 15°C
  • 29 – 35°C
  • 18 – 29°C (correct)
  • 10 – 20°C
  • Which of the following characteristics defines oligotrophic lakes?

  • Clear and low productivity (correct)
  • Turbid and warm
  • High nutrient concentration
  • High temperature fluctuations
  • What is a primary cause of lower salinity near the poles and equatorial regions?

  • Increased precipitation (correct)
  • Low biodiversity
  • High evaporation rates
  • Cooling ocean currents
  • Which aquatic environment typically exists in tropical and subtropical coasts?

    <p>Coral reefs &amp; Mangroves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What property of water helps it regulate temperature changes effectively?

    <p>High specific heat capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Earth's water is found in oceans?

    <p>96.5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following reservoirs has the shortest turnover time?

    <p>Atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for high evapotranspiration in tropical regions?

    <p>High heat and vegetation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aquifers are generally considered to be inaccessible to which of the following?

    <p>Plants and animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following environments is evapotranspiration generally the lowest?

    <p>Polar regions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two processes comprise evapotranspiration?

    <p>Evaporation and transpiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a primary water exchange mechanism?

    <p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical turnover time for oceans?

    <p>3100 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a thermocline and how does it change with latitude?

    <p>A thermocline is a layer where temperature changes rapidly with depth, varying in strength at different latitudes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At which latitude is a thermocline likely to be the strongest?

    <p>Low latitudes, where warm surface waters dominate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aquatic environment is characterized by high biodiversity and is known for its complex structure?

    <p>Coral Reefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor primarily drives the global conveyor belt of ocean circulation?

    <p>Differences in water density due to temperature and salinity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary color of visible light that is absorbed fastest in water?

    <p>Red light</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does salinity typically vary with latitude in the oceans?

    <p>Higher salinity is often found around 30° latitude due to high evaporation rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influences the direction of ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

    <p>Coriolis Effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main factors shaping the movement of ocean currents?

    <p>Wind patterns, the Coriolis Effect, and thermohaline circulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Major Aquatic Environments

    • Oceans: Cover over 71% of Earth's surface, home to diverse marine life.
    • Kelp Forests: Found in temperate latitudes, rich in biodiversity, and thrive in cold, nutrient-rich waters (10-20°C).
    • Coral Reefs: Located in tropics and subtropics, prefer water temperatures between 18-29°C, and are among the most productive ecosystems.
    • Intertidal Zones: Areas that alternate between underwater and dry conditions, experiencing unique light, temperature, and salinity.
    • Estuaries: Transitional zones where freshwater meets saltwater, rich in nutrients and biodiversity.
    • Rivers: Flowing bodies of water providing habitats and connecting ecosystems.
    • Lakes: Still water bodies that can vary significantly in nutrient content and biodiversity.

    Factors Shaping Currents

    • Wind Patterns: Trade winds and westerlies create surface currents by pushing water.
    • Coriolis Effect: Earth's rotation deflects currents, right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Thermohaline Circulation: Driven by water density variations due to temperature and salinity differences, this global movement forms deep ocean currents.
    • Continental Bodies: Landmasses disrupt current flow, leading to gyres and changing directions.

    Light Absorption in Water

    • Red light is absorbed the fastest, limiting its penetration in water.
    • Blue light penetrates the deepest, allowing it to travel further in aquatic environments.

    Thermoclines

    • Thermocline: A layer in the ocean where temperature decreases rapidly with depth.
    • Low Latitudes: Exhibit strong thermoclines due to warm surface waters.
    • Mid Latitudes: Show moderate thermocline with seasonal variations.
    • High Latitudes: Typically have weak or absent thermoclines due to uniformly colder surface water.

    Salinity in Oceans

    • Salinity varies globally, influenced by evaporation and precipitation rates.
    • Higher salinity found around 30° latitude in areas with more evaporation than precipitation.
    • Lower salinity is predominant near the poles and equatorial regions, where precipitation exceeds evaporation.

    Habitat Locations

    • Coral Reefs: Predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions with high diversity.
    • Kelp Forests: Located in cooler temperate waters on rocky substrates.
    • Intertidal Zones: Experience dynamic conditions along coastlines.
    • Salt Marshes: Found along temperate coasts, displaying specific vegetation types.
    • Mangroves: Thrive in tropical and subtropical coastal regions.

    Oligotrophic vs. Eutrophic Lakes

    • Oligotrophic Lakes: Characterized by clear water, low productivity, and cooler temperatures.
    • Eutrophic Lakes: Feature turbid water, high productivity, and warmer temperatures.

    Water Distribution

    • Oceans hold 96.5% of Earth's water, with only a small fraction being freshwater.
    • Freshwater: Ice and glaciers (1.8%), groundwater (0.75%), and minimal surface freshwater (0.008%).
    • Aquifers typically inaccessible to plants and animals due to their depth.

    Turnover Time in Reservoirs

    • Atmosphere: Approximately 9 days.
    • Rivers: 12–20 days.
    • Lakes: Ranges from days to centuries.
    • Oceans: Takes about 3100 years to renew.

    Main Water Exchanges

    • Precipitation: Rain that replenishes water sources.
    • Interception: Precipitation that doesn't reach the surface.
    • Infiltration: Water entering soil and groundwater reservoirs.
    • Runoff: Excess water flowing over the surface.
    • Evapotranspiration: Combination of evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants.

    Evapotranspiration Variations

    • Highest in tropical and subtropical regions, due to heat and vegetation.
    • Lowest in polar regions (cold, minimal plant life) and deserts (limited water resources).

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz explores the major types of aquatic environments including oceans, kelp forests, and coral reefs. It also examines the factors that influence the movement of water currents, such as wind patterns and the Coriolis Effect. Test your understanding of these essential ecosystems and their dynamics.

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser