Marine Pollution and Dead Zones
34 Questions
2 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 was the percentage change in the area of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico from 1985 to 2013?

  • 42.5% (correct)
  • 50%
  • 25%
  • 40%
  • Which of the following is a common source of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico?

  • Household sewage
  • Intensive farming (correct)
  • Overfishing
  • Industrial waste
  • Which statement is true regarding the size of dead zones in 2013?

  • It was smaller than in 2012.
  • It consistently met target levels.
  • It was almost twice the size of that in 2012. (correct)
  • It was less than the 5-year average.
  • What is one socio-economic impact of dead zones as seen in Photograph 1.4d?

    <p>Decline in the fishing industry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What solution is suggested to alleviate the problem of dead zones?

    <p>Adopt sustainable farming practices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is treating sewage before discharging it into rivers or seas important?

    <p>To decrease the nutrient load causing dead zones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the area of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico in 2013?

    <p>14,250 km² (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about coral reefs in dead zones is correct?

    <p>They become bleached due to lack of oxygen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major cause of oil spills in the ocean?

    <p>Oil tanker crashes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is suggested as the best way to clean oil spills from the ocean?

    <p>Absorption using cotton pads (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does untreated sewage contribute to marine pollution?

    <p>It creates algal blooms that lead to dead zones. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant ecological impact of plastic waste in the ocean?

    <p>It threatens marine animals by trapping or choking them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one socio-economic impact of marine pollution?

    <p>Increased government spending on medical services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of waste is mentioned as a major solid waste found in the oceans?

    <p>Plastics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One of the risks posed by the dumping of radioactive materials in the ocean is:

    <p>Radiation pollution that affects marine life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the ocean can impact the food web by:

    <p>Building up along the food chain and spreading to humans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to feathers when they come into contact with oil?

    <p>They absorb oil and repel water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the weight of feathers change when they are contaminated with oil?

    <p>They increase in weight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of oil spills on sea birds regarding food access?

    <p>Starvation due to the inability to find food (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do sea birds typically care for their feathers?

    <p>By preening them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the harmful effects of oil on sea birds' body temperature regulation?

    <p>It makes them vulnerable to temperature fluctuations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the geographical enquiry process, which step comes after data collection?

    <p>Data processing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is suggested for data collection when studying oil spill cleanup methods?

    <p>Observation and experimentation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if sea birds ingest oil while trying to clean their bodies?

    <p>It leads to health problems or death (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the dead zone formation in coastal areas?

    <p>Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leading to eutrophication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sequence correctly describes the chain of events leading to a dead zone?

    <p>(2) (4) (1) (3) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an impact of marine pollution?

    <p>Enhanced biodiversity in marine habitats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major consequence of heavy metals entering the marine food web?

    <p>Accumulation of toxins in different trophic levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between human activities and marine pollution?

    <p>Chemical fertilizers and pesticides lead to nutrient-rich runoff entering seas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do algal blooms negatively affect marine life?

    <p>They lead to a decline in available dissolved oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions would likely reduce the incidence of dead zones?

    <p>Implementing sustainable agricultural practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ecological impact is primarily due to marine pollution?

    <p>Destruction of marine habitats (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main health concern associated with marine pollution?

    <p>Increase in food poisoning cases from contaminated seafood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nutrient is a primary contributor to algal blooms in coastal waters?

    <p>Nitrogen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Oil Spill Impact on Seabirds - Feather Function

    The process where oil coats feathers, making them heavy and unable to repel water.

    Oil Spill Impact on Seabirds - Preening

    Oil on feathers prevents birds from preening, leading to potential ingestion that harms their health.

    Data Collection in Geographical Enquiry

    The process of gathering information to answer a research question, like investigating the best way to clean up oil spills.

    Data Processing and Interpretation

    Analyzing data collected during a geographical enquiry to reach a conclusion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypothesis in Geographical Enquiry

    A testable statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment or observation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Evaluation and Conclusion

    The act of evaluating the results of a geographical enquiry to determine its strengths and weaknesses.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Geographical Enquiry

    A systematic method used by geographers to study and understand geographical issues.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Data Collection for Oil Spill Cleanup

    Using experiments and observations to collect data about the effectiveness of different oil cleanup methods.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a dead zone?

    An area in a body of water where there is little to no oxygen, making it difficult for most marine life to survive.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How much did the area of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico increase between '85 and '13?

    The increase in the size of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico between 1985 and 2013 was approximately 42.5%.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the main source of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico?

    Intensive farming practices, which involve the use of fertilizers, are the primary source of phosphorus and nitrogen discharged into the Gulf of Mexico.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How are dead zones formed?

    Excess nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers, flow into the Gulf of Mexico, leading to an overgrowth of algae. This algae dies and decomposes, consuming the oxygen in the water, creating a dead zone.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the consequences of dead zones on coral reefs?

    Dead zones can damage coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and potential ecosystem collapse.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How do dead zones impact the tourism industry?

    Dead zones can negatively affect tourism by reducing visitor numbers, leading to financial losses for the tourism industry.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How do dead zones impact fishing industries?

    Dead zones can damage fishing industries, leading to decreased fish populations and lower catches. This can negatively affect fishermen's livelihoods.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How can the problem of dead zones be alleviated?

    Addressing the problem of dead zones requires measures like treating sewage before discharge, promoting sustainable farming practices to reduce fertilizer use, and encouraging responsible waste management.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does sewage cause dead zones?

    Nutrients from untreated sewage cause a rapid growth of algae in coastal waters, leading to oxygen depletion and the creation of dead zones.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the problem with oil spills?

    Oil spills from tanker accidents or drilling operations contaminate large areas of ocean water, harming marine life and habitats.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does solid waste pollute the ocean?

    Solid waste, especially plastic, enters the ocean, accumulating and posing threats to marine life. It can trap animals or be ingested.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the dangers of radioactive waste in the ocean?

    Radioactive materials dumped into the ocean or released from accidents can contaminate marine ecosystems, leading to long-term damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does marine pollution threaten marine life?

    Solid waste and pollutants can cause entanglement, suffocation, and poisoning, directly harming marine animals and destroying their natural habitats.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does marine pollution affect the food web?

    Toxic substances accumulate in marine organisms, moving up the food chain. This can lead to contamination of seafood and human health risks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the economic consequences of marine pollution?

    Marine pollution can disrupt fishing industries, reduce tourism, and lead to increased medical expenses from seafood poisoning.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How does marine pollution affect human health?

    Marine pollution can lead to food poisoning and increase medical costs for treating related illnesses.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Eutrophication

    The process where too many nutrients, like fertilizers, end up in water, causing excessive algal growth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dead Zone

    Areas in a body of water depleted of dissolved oxygen, making it difficult for most marine life to survive.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Overfishing

    The process of removing too many fish from a population faster than they can reproduce, potentially leading to its decline.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Phytoplankton

    Microscopic plants that form the base of the food web in aquatic ecosystems.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Zooplankton

    Microscopic animals that consume phytoplankton and are a food source for larger marine life.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Food Web

    The interconnected feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Trophic Level

    The level in a food web that describes an organism's position based on its feeding habits (producer, consumer, etc.).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Biodiversity

    The diverse range of living organisms in an environment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Marine Habitats

    The natural habitats of marine organisms.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chemical Fertilizers

    The use of chemical fertilizers that contribute to nutrient pollution in coastal waters.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Marine Pollution

    • Dead Zones: Areas where most life cannot survive. Figure 1.4a shows changes in the area of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico from 1985 to 2013.
    • Dead Zone Growth: The area of dead zones in 2013 was almost double the area of the dead zones in 2012. This area also exceeded the 5-year average.
    • Phosphorus and Nitrogen Sources (Figure 1.4b): In 2012, corn and soybean farms (52%) were the largest contributors to phosphorus and nitrogen discharge to the Gulf of Mexico. Other contributors included farms of other crops, livestock, urban sewage, and atmospheric deposition.
    • Photograph 1.4d: Shows a coral reef in a dead zone.
    • QR Code (Source 1.4c): Links to the formation process of dead zones (video link).

    Adverse Socio-Economic Impacts of Dead Zones (Based on Photograph 1.4d)

    • Tourism Decline: The presence of dead zones can deter tourists, impacting the local tourism industry.
    • Fishing Industry Decline: A decline in the fishing industry as a result of dead zones may drive down incomes for fishermen. This further impacts the livelihood of those involved in fishing.
    • Coral Bleaching: Coral bleaching in dead zones.
    • Absence of Fish: Dead zones contain few, if any fish. This lack of fish creates economic problems for the fishing industries.

    Alleviating Dead Zones

    • Sewage Treatment: Treating sewage before discharge into bodies of water reduces the nutrients entering them. Raising sewage charges for farmers is a possible solution to encourage lower sewage produciton.
    • Sustainable Farming: Implementing sustainable farming methods, like intercropping and green manure, could limit the use of chemical fertilizers, thereby lowering nutrient runoff.

    Oil Spills and Seabirds

    • Oil Absorption: Oil can be absorbed by bird feathers. This is opposite of water, where water is repelled.
    • Bird Health Impact: Oil may reduce a bird's ability to fly or float, leading to starvation. Birds are also vulnerable to temperature changes because of the covering from the oil on feathers. Exposure to oil may cause health problems. The oil may be ingested by the birds.

    Geographical Enquiry Steps

    • Planning and Hypothesis: Initial stages of understanding a geographical issue. Identify the question and relevant hypotheses to test.
    • Data Collection: Gathering information and data on the topic of interest.
    • Data Processing and Presentation: Data is analyzed and organized for presentation.
    • Interpretation and Conclusion: Evaluating results to draw meaningful conclusions.
    • Evaluation: Critical analysis of the data and method to ensure accuracy.

    Formation of Dead Zones (Elaboration)

    • Intensive Farming: Excessive fertilizer use may cause nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to be washed into the ocean.
    • Algal Blooms: Nutrients cause algal blooms in coastal regions.
    • Oxygen Depletion: When the algae die, decomposing bacteria consume oxygen, reducing available oxygen in the water.
    • Loss of Marine Life: Low oxygen creates dead zones where many marine organisms cannot survive.

    Impact of Marine Pollution

    • Marine Life Threatening: Solid waste and oil are threats to marine animals by endangering their survival.
    • Harmful Chemicals: Sea water may become polluted with heavy metals, oil or chemical wastes, destroying habitats and poisoning marine life.
    • Food Chain Contamination: Chemicals and toxins are absorbed by marine life and accumulate in the food chain harming humans.
    • Adverse Economic Impacts: Some recreational activities will be suspended if the coastal areas are polluted, resulting in the loss of income for the local economy. Increased medical spending may also be seen due to increased risk of food poisoning. Health risk and economic loss are directly related.

    Correct Sequence for Dead Zone Formation

    • Excess use of chemical fertilizers.
    • Algal Blooms triggered by the excess nutrients
    • Bacteria consume oxygen from low levels of oxygen
    • Marine life dies due to low oxygen

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    S1 M1 Notes_TV_UT2 PDF

    Description

    Explore the impact of marine pollution, particularly the emergence and growth of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. This quiz covers sources of nutrient discharge, their socio-economic effects on tourism and fishing industries, and visual evidence of the phenomenon. Test your knowledge on this critical environmental issue.

    More Like This

    Marine Pollution Quiz
    5 questions

    Marine Pollution Quiz

    VeritableCreativity avatar
    VeritableCreativity
    Marine Pollution
    12 questions

    Marine Pollution

    PositiveLanthanum7531 avatar
    PositiveLanthanum7531
    Marine Pollution and Bioremediation
    40 questions
    MARPOL 73/78: Marine Pollution
    40 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser