Oceanography

Oceans Oceanography Study of the physical ocean Cover 71% of the Earth Contains 97% of its surface water Marine Ecosystems Cover 70% of the Earth?s surface Essential for: Biodiversity, Terrestrial Health, Production of O2, Climate and Food. Estuaries Coastal Partly enclosed One or more rivers flow into them Water is brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt water) Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth Makes lots of biomass Lots of plant growth/m2 A lot of life in the area Nurseries for fish, crustaceans and vertebrates Services Aquatic nurseries Protected harbors Commercial Fishing, Recreational Fishing Habitat for non-aquatic animals, such as bald eagles, shorebirds Threats Many near populated areas May be filled for development Pollutants

TRINI SOZA, 5h PERIOD. Chapter 4 ? pgs 88-98, pgs 108-112 MC 1-5, 11 FRQ #1 Chapter 14 ? pgs 381-185,, 194-202 FRQ # 1, 2 pg. 390 Global processes determine weather and climate Weather includes temperature, humidity, clouds, precipitation, wind speed and atmospheric pressure Climate means the average weather that occurs in a given region over a long period of time Northern areas and South Poles are colder than those closer to the equator Areas at high elevations are colder than areas in lower elevation Areas near the equator receive tremendous amounts of rain Regions at latitudes around 30 degrees N and S receive very little rain Differences in temperature and precipitation determine which organisms can survive in specific areas