Chemical Oceanography

Description: Chemical Oceanography Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Marine Chemistry
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: chemical oceanography marine chemistry ocean acidification nutrients
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean?

  1. Phytoplankton

  2. Zooplankton

  3. Bacteria

  4. Atmospheric Diffusion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Phytoplankton, through photosynthesis, produce oxygen as a byproduct, contributing significantly to the dissolved oxygen content in the ocean.

Which element is responsible for the salinity of seawater?

  1. Sodium

  2. Chlorine

  3. Magnesium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Chlorine is the dominant element contributing to the salinity of seawater, accounting for approximately 55% of the total dissolved solids.

What is the term used to describe the process by which carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbonate Buffering

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ocean Acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in the pH of seawater due to the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Which nutrient is often a limiting factor for primary productivity in marine ecosystems?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Phosphorus

  3. Potassium

  4. Iron


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Iron is a crucial micronutrient for phytoplankton growth, and its availability can limit primary productivity in certain regions of the ocean.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Carbon Sequestration refers to the process by which marine organisms, particularly phytoplankton, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter through photosynthesis.

Which element is responsible for the formation of coral reefs?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Calcium is essential for the formation of coral skeletons, which are composed primarily of calcium carbonate.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ocean Carbon Cycle refers to the continuous exchange of carbon between the ocean and the atmosphere, including processes such as carbon sequestration and the release of carbon dioxide through respiration and decomposition.

Which element is responsible for the formation of sea salt?

  1. Sodium

  2. Chlorine

  3. Magnesium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sodium is the dominant element in sea salt, accounting for approximately 30% of its composition.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms convert organic matter into inorganic nutrients?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ocean Carbon Cycle includes the process of decomposition, where marine organisms break down organic matter into inorganic nutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate, which are essential for primary productivity.

Which element is responsible for the formation of marine snow?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Calcium is essential for the formation of marine snow, which is composed of aggregates of organic matter, calcium carbonate, and other particles.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms release oxygen into the atmosphere?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ocean Carbon Cycle includes the process of photosynthesis, where marine organisms, particularly phytoplankton, produce oxygen as a byproduct.

Which element is responsible for the formation of marine aerosols?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sodium is a major component of marine aerosols, which are tiny particles of sea salt that are released into the atmosphere through wave action and wind.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms convert inorganic nutrients into organic matter?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ocean Carbon Cycle includes the process of primary productivity, where marine organisms, particularly phytoplankton, convert inorganic nutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate, into organic matter through photosynthesis.

Which element is responsible for the formation of marine carbonates?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

  4. Potassium


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Calcium is essential for the formation of marine carbonates, which are found in the shells of marine organisms and in marine sediments.

What is the term used to describe the process by which marine organisms release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

  1. Ocean Acidification

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Ocean Alkalinity

  4. Ocean Carbon Cycle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ocean Carbon Cycle includes the process of respiration, where marine organisms release carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular metabolism.

- Hide questions