Enviromental Science (Let's Talk Science 2025)

Question 1

What has always intrigued humans regarding the ocean?

Answer 1

Ocean exploration

Exploration methods have evolved over time, from simple tools to advanced technology.

Question 2

What method did Ferdinand Magellan use to measure the Pacific Ocean’s depth in 1521?

Answer 2

Cannonball and rope

This method evolved into depth sounding, still used today.

Question 3

What are submersibles used for?

Answer 3

Deep ocean research

Challenges include cold, darkness, and extreme pressure.

Question 4

What defines crewed submersibles?

Answer 4

Human-occupied, small capacity

Equipped with lights, cameras, sensors, and collection arms.

Question 5

What is an example of a crewed submersible that explored Challenger Deep?

Answer 5

Trieste (1960)

It reached ~11 km deep.

Question 6

What is a notable feature of the Deepsea Challenger?

Answer 6

James Cameron’s solo dive (10,908 m)

It was launched in 2012.

Question 7

What characteristics distinguish uncrewed vehicles in ocean exploration?

Answer 7

No passengers, remotely operated or autonomous

Often connected to surface ships via cables.

Question 8

What is the purpose of fibre optic cable networks like NEPTUNE and VENUS?

Answer 8

Collect ocean data

Measure temperature, salinity, density, and tectonic activity.

Question 9

What does ocean floor drilling by IODP provide?

Answer 9

Core samples

Reveals climate history, past marine life, and environmental changes.

Question 10

What led to the 1994 ban on ocean nuclear waste dumping?

Answer 10

Discovery of deep-sea life

Past belief was that the deep sea was lifeless.

Question 11

How does the ocean help in fighting climate change?

Answer 11

Captures carbon

The deep ocean is Earth’s largest habitat.

Question 12

What adaptations do deep-sea creatures have to survive in darkness?

Answer 12

Vertical migration, big eyes, bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is found in 90% of deep-sea creatures.

Question 13

What is marine snow?

Answer 13

Falling dead plants, animals, and waste

It is a food source for deep-sea creatures.

Question 14

What adaptations do fish have to cope with deep-sea pressure?

Answer 14

Swim bladder controls buoyancy

More oxygen or fats instead of gas at depth.

Question 15

What is the average temperature of the deep sea?

Answer 15

4°C

Organisms move and breathe slowly to save energy.

Question 16

What are extremophiles?

Answer 16

Organisms that survive without sunlight or oxygen

Found near hydrothermal vents.

Question 17

What is aquaculture?

Answer 17

Farming fish and other water species

Seen as a sustainable way to meet rising global food demand.

Question 18

What are the two types of salmon?

Answer 18

Wild and farmed

Wild salmon are caught in nature; farmed salmon are raised in controlled environments.

Question 19

What is a fringing reef?

Answer 19

Most common type of coral reef

Grows close to the shoreline, found just below water level.

Question 20

What do corals primarily feed on?

Answer 20

Plankton and small fish

They get most energy from zooxanthellae, algae living inside them.

Question 21

What is one major threat to coral reefs?

Answer 21

Ocean warming

A 1.5°C rise could destroy 90% of reefs.

Question 22

What are salt marshes?

Answer 22

Flooded at high tide, drained at low tide

Plants here are halophytes that tolerate high salt levels.

Question 23

What is a seagrass meadow?

Answer 23

Underwater prairies

Important for fisheries and biodiversity.

Question 24

What are the four main types of ecosystem services?

Answer 24

Supporting, provisioning, regulating, cultural

Ecosystem services benefit humans.

Question 25

What is the role of kelp forests in marine ecosystems?

Answer 25

Provide shelter & food for fish and marine mammals ## Footnote Controlled by sea otters that balance sea urchin populations.

Question 26

What are ecosystem services?

Answer 26

Benefits ecosystems provide to humans ## Footnote Ecosystem services are crucial for human well-being and include various types that support life and economic activities.

Question 27

What are the four main types of ecosystem services?

Answer 27

* Supporting * Provisioning * Regulating * Cultural ## Footnote Each type plays a distinct role in maintaining ecological balance and providing resources.

Question 28

Where is the Southern Ocean Sea Ice Ecosystem located?

Answer 28

Around Antarctica, largely covered in sea ice ## Footnote This ecosystem is essential for various marine and terrestrial species.

Question 29

How does sea ice behave seasonally?

Answer 29

Grows in winter, shrinks in summer ## Footnote The seasonal changes in sea ice are vital for the ecosystem's health and the species that depend on it.

Question 30

What are supporting services in the context of ecosystems?

Answer 30

Provide habitats, nurseries, and feeding grounds ## Footnote These services are foundational for sustaining biodiversity.

Question 31

What role do ice algae play in the food chain?

Answer 31

They grow under sea ice and start the food chain ## Footnote Ice algae are crucial for supporting various marine life, including zooplankton and krill.

Question 32

What animals rely on krill as a food source?

Answer 32

* Whales * Penguins * Seals ## Footnote Krill are vital to the Southern Ocean's food web due to their high biomass.

Question 33

What are provisioning services?

Answer 33

Provide food and materials from marine organisms ## Footnote This includes fish, krill, Antarctic cod, and other resources for human use.

Question 34

What types of food do provisioning services provide?

Answer 34

* Fish * Krill * Antarctic cod ## Footnote These resources are essential for human consumption and economic activities.

Question 35

What are regulating services in ecosystems?

Answer 35

Help cycle nutrients and carbon ## Footnote These services are critical for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating climate change.

Question 36

How do dead algae and animals contribute to the ecosystem?

Answer 36

They sink, feed seafloor life, and store carbon ## Footnote This process is essential for nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

Question 37

True or False: Oceans reduce atmospheric CO₂.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote Oceans play a significant role in regulating greenhouse gases.

Question 38

What do cultural services in ecosystems support?

Answer 38

* Tourism * Science & research * Art ## Footnote These services enhance human experiences and awareness of the ecosystem.

Question 39

What was the tourism visitor count in the Southern Ocean in 2019/20?

Answer 39

74,000+ visitors ## Footnote Tourism is a significant aspect of the cultural services provided by the ecosystem.

Question 40

What are the threats to the Southern Ocean Sea Ice Ecosystem?

Answer 40

* Climate change * Overfishing * Microplastic pollution ## Footnote These threats can severely impact the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem.

Question 41

What is one effect of climate change on the Southern Ocean?

Answer 41

Warmer temperatures melt sea ice ## Footnote This loss of sea ice affects habitats and species dependent on the ice.

Question 42

What can people do to help protect the Southern Ocean?

Answer 42

* Reduce carbon emissions * Protect local marine environments * Support regulations on fishing and tourism ## Footnote Individual and collective actions are vital for conservation efforts.

Question 43

What does CCAMLR stand for?

Answer 43

Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ## Footnote This organization plays a key role in regulating and protecting marine ecosystems.

Question 44

What do Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) do?

Answer 44

Restrict human activities to protect ecosystems ## Footnote MPAs are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Question 45

What is the purpose of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting?

Answer 45

Regulates tourism and works with IAATO for sustainable tourism ## Footnote This collaboration is essential for minimizing human impact on the ecosystem.