Untitled spreadsheet - Sheet1 Flashcards
(141 cards)
1
Q
Sediments (or particles) enter the ocean from__________.
A
a. the land via rivers
2
Q
Sand grains are __________ particles of gravel.
A
smaller than
3
Q
The oldest sediments on the ocean floor are found __________.
A
near the edge of ocean basins and away from spreading centers
4
Q
In an undisturbed deep-sea accumulation of sediment layers, the youngest sediment is __________.
A
at the top of the sequence
5
Q
Sediments on the ocean floor are thickest __________.
A
at the edge of the ocean basins where the oceanic crust is the oldest
6
Q
Falling through the same depth of ocean water, a __________ size particle will be the first to reach the ocean floor.
A
boulder
7
Q
Terminal velocity is __________.
A
the constant speed reached by particles falling to the bottom of the ocean
8
Q
In water, the terminal velocity of a sand grain is _________ the terminal velocity of a clay particle.
A
greater than
9
Q
The terminal velocity of a sand grain in air is __________ the terminal velocity of the same sand grain in seawater.
A
greater than
10
Q
Particles formed by the weathering of terrestrial rock and then transported to the ocean by rivers and streams are known as __________ sediments.
A
lithogenous
11
Q
The most common rocks composing Earth’s crust are igneous and they are made up of mostly __________ minerals.
A
silicate
12
Q
Lithogenous sediments include all of the following except __________.
A
calcareous and siliceous oozes
13
Q
Igneous rocks __________.
A
form from the cooling and solidification of lava or magma
14
Q
Wind blown dust __________.
A
a. can reach any part of the ocean
15
Q
The principal process whereby lithogenous sediments reach the middle of the ocean basins is transport by _____
A
winds
16
Q
Lithogenous sediments can reach the middle of ocean basins via all of the following processes with the exception of _________.
A
rivers
17
Q
Glaciomarine sediments__________.
A
are continent-derived glacial ice rafted sediments
18
Q
Materials that include excretions, secretions and remains of marine organisms are known as __________ sediments.
A
biogenous
19
Q
Most biogenous sediments are made up of __________.
A
a. calcium carbonate or silica
20
Q
Calcareous sediments__________.
A
a. are the most abundant of all biogenous sediments on the ocean floor
21
Q
Calcareous sediments tend to dissolve in ocean water depths greater than about 4500 m because of ___________ at those depths.
A
lower temps
22
Q
The rate at which calcium carbonate materials dissolve in seawater __________ with __________ water temperature.
A
increases ….. falling
23
Q
When calcium carbonate materials dissolve in seawater, the pH of seawater _________.
A
increases
24
Q
Particles may reach the ocean bottom faster by __________.
A
a. physically or chemically aggregating into larger particles
25
Siliceous sediments are most abundant in the ________ Ocean.
Pacific
26
Particles that precipitate from seawater, like manganese nodules, are known as __________ sediments.
hydrogenous
27
Manganese nodules are marine sediments that are __________.
a. chemically precipitated from sea water
28
Particles whose source is outer space, like meteorites, are known as __________ sediments.
cosmogenous
29
Most particles that enter Earth's atmosphere from outer space ___________.
burn up due to frictional resistance encountered in the atmosphere
30
The majority of neritic sediments are __________.
lithogenous
31
Lithogenous sediments compose the majority of __________ deposits.
neritic
32
Low-lying flat areas that are either saturated by water or covered by water for at least part of the year are known as __________.
wetlands
33
Turbidity currents __________.
a. have been known to cut telegraph cables on the sea floor
34
Turbidites consist of mostly __________ sediment.
lithogenous
35
The driving force for turbidity currents is ________.
gravity
36
The majority of pelagic sediments are __________.
biogenous
37
Because of the effect of the CCD, calcareous oozes __________.
cover the tops of undersea mountains
38
The occurrence of marine fossils in rock strata located high in terrestrial mountain ranges can be attributed to ______.
uplift associated with plate tectonics
39
Mineral resources mined from the ocean bottom include all of the following with the exception of __________.
manganese nodules
40
Most sediments that compose a delta are __________.
lithogenous
41
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
All rivers that empty into the ocean have deltas.
42
Plate tectonic __________ play a role in the conversion of marine sedimentary rocks into magma.
does
43
Why are the world's most productive fisheries located in areas of coastal upwelling?
Nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean are transported into the photic zone.
44
Once wind sets the surface waters in motion, the forces and features acting on the water to change its speed and direction is (are) __________.
a. basins and coasts
45
In the Northern Hemisphere, WARM-core rings are characterized by __________.
clockwise rotation and relatively low biological productivity
46
In the Northern Hemisphere, COLD-core rings are characterized by __________.
counterclockwise rotation and relatively high biological productivity
47
Ekman transport __________.
is the sum of all the motion vectors that form the Ekman spiral
48
Following a disturbance, a __________ system returns to its initial state or condition.
stable
49
Where a decrease in temperature with depth is responsible for the density increase with depth, the pycnocline is also a ___________.
thermocline
50
A large component of the trade winds blow from east to west along the equator. Considering both sides of the equator, the trades winds cause __________.
Ekman transport away from the equator generating upwelling
51
Deep and Bottom waters are ___________.
deeper than Intermediate waters
52
The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) can be thought of as beginning in the far northern reaches of the __________.
North Atlantic Ocean
53
Upwelling occurs in which of the following?
along the equator
54
Kinetic energy transferred from near surface winds to the ocean's surface layer drives __________.
a. horizontal currents
55
The 3-layer system in the ocean is a(n) ___________.
stable system
56
Water masses are classified based on __________.
a. source region
57
The large-scale surface horizontal ocean circulation is characterized by ___________.
a. strong poleward flow along the west sides of subtropical gyres
58
Most of the data (e.g., salinity, temperature) obtained from the deep ocean to date have been obtained by __________.
deep-sea casts
59
The layer in the ocean where the water density rapidly increases with increasing depth is called the __________.
pycnocline
60
In the North Atlantic (high salinity), newly formed water masses __________ because they are __________ than surrounding waters.
sink. . . . denser
61
North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) __________.
forms mainly in the Greenland and Labrador Seas
62
Ekman transport causes a broad mounding of water near the __________ of subtropical gyres.
center
63
Deep water ______ form in the Pacific Ocean basin.
does not
64
The water that makes up the deep layer of the ocean accounts for about __________% of the ocean volume.
90
65
Example of Intermediate water: ___________.
MIW
66
Surface circulation tends to be stronger, more variable and energetic because of __________.
surface winds
67
The frictional coupling between wind and water generates surface water currents __________.
b. are deflected to right of wind in N. Hemisphere and to left of S. Hemisphere
68
Which process brings about changes in the temperature and salinity of surface waters?
a. Evaporation
69
Viewed from above, subtropical gyres rotate __________ in the Northern Hemisphere and __________ in the Southern Hemisphere.
clockwise. . . . counterclockwise
70
Instrumented floats obtain vertical profiles (casts) of __________.
temperature
71
The large-scale ocean circulation gyres mirror the Earth's long-term average planetary-scale winds with the subtropical gyres centered at approximately __________ latitude.
30 degrees
72
In general, wind-driven currents are confined to the upper __________ m of the ocean surface.
100
73
The average current speed in the Gulf Stream is approximately 3 to 4 __________.
km per hr
74
At the highest latitudes, based on density, the ocean's vertical structure usually consists of __________ layer(s).
1
75
Which of the following is (are) TRUE of western boundary currents?
a. their formation is related to increase of Coriolis Effect with increasing latitude
76
Water flows downhill from the mound of water in the subtropical gyre. A balance between the __________ forces, known as geostrophic flow, eventually drives this current.
pressure gradient and Coriolis
77
Water currents generated by wind/water frictional coupling __________.
a. diminish in speed with depth
78
Net Ekman transport is _________ degrees to the right of the wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere.
90
79
Deep-ocean and near-bottom currents are strongest along the __________ sides of ocean basins.
western
80
Which of the following is NOT true of ocean rings?
they form on continental shelves
81
Two of the fastest surface currents in the open ocean are the __________.
Kuroshio and Gulf Stream
82
The trade winds blow from the __________ in the Northern Hemisphere and __________ in the Southern Hemisphere.
northeast...southeast
83
Sub-polar gyres are characterized by __________.
Ekman transport moving water away from the center of the gyre
84
Sub-polar gyres rotate __________ in the Northern Hemisphere and __________ in the Southern Hemisphere.
clockwise.....counterclockwise
85
The thermohaline circulation is driven primarily by slight differences in ocean __________.
density
86
Where an increase in salinity with depth is responsible for the density increase with depth, the pycnocline is also a __________.
halocline
87
Most of the ocean is divided into __________ horizontal depth zones based on density, and known as __________.
3. . . . mixed layer, pycnocline, and deep layer
88
The first systematic study of the ocean's surface currents and winds was done by __________.
Matthew Fontaine Maury
89
The deep- and intermediate waters in the __________ Ocean are the oldest in the world ocean.
Pacific
90
Ekman transport directed away from the coast generates __________.
coastal upwelling
91
Which ocean basin contains Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW)?
Atlantic
92
Which feature of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current distinguishes it from other ocean-surface currents?
It circles the globe
93
Because of the greenhouse effect, cloudy nights tend to be __________ than clear nights.
warmer
94
On a clear day, the albedo of the sea surface is lowest at __________.
noon
95
On a global and annual average basis within the troposphere, the rate of radiational heating _________ the rate of radiational cooling.
is less than
96
The Bowen ratio compares the amount of heat that is used for __________ to the amount of heat that is used for __________.
sensible heating. . . . latent heating
97
The __________ of the Earth is responsible for the seasons.
tilt of the spin axis
98
At the equator over the course of a year, the rate of cooling due to emission of infrared radiation to space is __________ the rate of warming due to absorption of solar radiation.
less than
99
The average albedo of the ocean is __________.
Less than 10%
100
The color of the open ocean is blue/green because __________.
water absorbs the longer wavelengths (i.e., reds and yellows) of visible light more efficiently than the shorter wavelengths (i.e. greens and blues)
101
On a global and annual average basis at the Earth's surface, the rate of radiational heating __________ the rate of radiational cooling.
Is greater than
102
Sensible heating includes transfer of heat via __________.
conduction and convection
103
The stratospheric ozone shield is created by a (an) __________ process involving solar ultraviolet radiation and oxygen.
absorbtion
104
The principal absorber(s) of the solar radiation that is intercepted by the Earth-atmosphere system is (are) __________.
ocean water
105
Winter average temperatures in Western Europe are mild compared to upwind North America because the Gulf Stream in the _____ Ocean moderates cold air masses traveling towards Europe.
Atlantic
106
Weather __________.
a. the state of atmosphere at a specified time and place.
107
The greenhouse effect is the heating of Earth's surface and lower atmosphere caused by strong absorption and emission of __________ radiation by certain gaseous components of the atmosphere.
infrared
108
Heat is transferred from the Sun-warmed surface of the Earth to the cooler overlying troposphere via __________.
a. conduction
109
Global radiative equilibrium means that the emission of heat from the Earth-atmosphere system to space in the form of __________ radiation balances __________ radiational heating of the Earth-atmosphere system.
infrared. . . . solar
110
The ocean contributes to poleward heat transport through __________.
a. wind driven surface currents
111
The pressure gradient force causes air to flow from areas of relatively _________ pressure to areas of relatively __________ pressure.
high...low
112
Earth's planetary albedo is about ______ percent.
30
113
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have caused a (an) _______ of about 35% in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas.
increase
114
A broad wind belt that encircles both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere is the __________.
a. trade winds
115
Through absorption, solar radiation is __________.
converted to heat energy
116
The ocean is heated primarily by absorption of __________.
solar radiation
117
High pressure systems are usually accompanied by __________ weather and low pressure systems are usually accompanied by __________ weather.
fair...stormy
118
The day-night cycle of the Earth is due to __________.
the spin of its axis
119
Earth's greenhouse effect is primarily the consequence of atmospheric __________.
water vapor
120
Over a broad region about the center of a subtropical high, the horizontal air pressure gradient is __________ and winds are __________.
weak. . . . calm
121
Albedo is the fraction of incident solar radiation that is __________.
reflected
122
At middle and high latitudes over the course of a year, the rate of radiational cooling is __________ the rate of radiational heating.
greater than
123
Viewed from outer space, Earth radiates at -18 °C, while the average temperature at the Earth's surface is 15 °C. This makes the temperature difference due to the greenhouse effect equal to __________ Celsius degrees.
33
124
The Coriolis Effect __________.
deflects large scale ocean currents and winds
125
In the Northern Hemisphere, trade winds blow from the __________.
northeast
126
The trade winds blow out of the __________ flank of the subtropical anticyclones.
equatorward
127
The air temperature contrast between summer and winter in Western Europe is __________ the seasonal temperature contrast in eastern North America.
less than
128
The Coriolis Effect arises from the fact that __________.
Earth rotates
129
At any one time, __________ of the Earth's surface is illuminated by the Sun.
half
130
The ocean plays a key role in the __________.
a. global radiation budget
131
Climate is defined by all of the following EXCEPT for:
the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place (actually particular time and specific place)
132
As solar radiation travels through the atmosphere, a portion of that radiation is __________.
a. absorbed by gases
133
__________ can be thought of as a weight per unit area.
pressure
134
As Earth orbits the Sun, the Earth-atmosphere system __________.
a. absorbs a tiny fraction of radiation that the Sun continually emits to space.
135
Subtropical highs are centered over ocean basins near __________ degrees N and S.
30
136
Uneven heating of Earth's surface brings about poleward heat transport, which is accomplished by __________.
a. ocean currents
137
An example of latent heating is __________.
vaporization of ocean water followed by cloud development in the troposphere
138
The solar altitude __________.
a. is the angle of the Sun above the horizon
139
Sea breezes __________.
a. are driven by day-night differential heating of land vs sea
140
Viewed from above in the Northern Hemisphere, surface winds blow ___________ about the center of a low pressure system.
counterclockwise and inward
141
Areas downwind of the ocean experience __________.
a. a maritime climate
