3 - Biomes II Flashcards
(24 cards)
What percentage of Earth’s surface do marine ecosystems cover
Marine ecosystems cover 79% of Earth’s surface and contain 97% of its water
How are marine ecosystems divided
Marine ecosystems are divided by depth, distance from shore, light availability, and temperature
How are marine environments influenced by climate
Marine environments are less influenced by climate than terrestrial ecosystems but are still affected by global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns
What is the Intertidal Zone, and what challenges do organisms face there
The area between high and low tide, with highly variable conditions (e.g., temperature and salinity). Organisms must tolerate rapid changes
What are the divisions of the Benthic Zone by depth
The Benthic Zone is divided into:
Bathyal Zone (200–4000 m)
Abyssal Zone (4000–6000 m)
Hadal Zone (6000+ m)
Name some key marine ecosystems and their features
Seagrass beds
Kelp forests
Coral reefs
Pelagic environment
Neritic Province
Oceanic Province
Seagrass beds
Shallow, productive, provide habitat
Kelp forests
Temperate, diverse, and productive
Coral reefs
Warm, shallow waters, high biodiversity
Pelagic environment
Open ocean
Neritic Province
0–200 m over the continental shelf
Oceanic Province
Beyond 200 m, covers 75% of the ocean
What is marine snow and its role in deep-sea ecosystems
Marine snow is organic matter that falls from upper layers, providing nutrients for deep-sea organisms
Why is solar radiation uneven on Earth
Due to Earth’s spherical shape and axial tilt (23.44°), the equator receives more direct sunlight year-round, while the poles receive sunlight at a lower angle, spreading energy over a larger area
What causes seasonal variations in climate
Seasonal variations are caused by Earth’s tilt and orbit, changing sun angles throughout the year, leading to temperature changes, especially at higher latitudes
How does warm air affect global air circulation
Warm air rises at the equator, creating low pressure.
As it rises, it cools, leading to rainfall, and the dry air moves poleward, sinking at ~30° latitude, creating dry zones (e.g., deserts)
What is a Hadley Cell and its role in air circulation
A Hadley Cell is a cycle of rising air at the equator, cooling and sinking at ~30° latitude, driving the tropical climate and desert formation
What are the primary wind systems and their directions
Trade Winds: East to west in the tropics.
Westerlies: West to east in temperate regions.
Polar Easterlies: East to west at high latitudes.
What drives surface ocean currents
Wind patterns, Earth’s rotation, and landmasses shape ocean currents, redistributing heat from the equator to the poles
What are the effects of warm and cold ocean currents
Warm currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) heat nearby land, while cold currents (e.g., California Current) cool it
What is the importance of upwelling zones in marine environments
Upwelling zones bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, increasing productivity and supporting marine ecosystems
How are climate zones formed
Climate zones are defined by the interaction of air and ocean circulation, including tropical, temperate, and polar zones
How do climate patterns influence biome distribution
Climate zones explain the distribution of biomes such as rainforests at the equator, deserts at 30° latitude, and tundra at the poles.
: What factors affect global climate patterns
Temperature, precipitation, and seasonality patterns are influenced by global air and ocean circulation