Polar Oceanography

Description: This quiz covers various aspects of Polar Oceanography, including the unique characteristics of polar regions, sea ice dynamics, and the impact of climate change on polar ecosystems.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: polar oceanography sea ice climate change arctic antarctic
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What is the term used to describe the seasonal melting and refreezing of sea ice?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Polynya Formation

  3. Sea Ice Extent

  4. Ice-Albedo Feedback


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ice-Albedo Feedback refers to the process where melting sea ice exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar radiation and further accelerates melting.

Which polar region is characterized by the presence of a permanent ice sheet?

  1. Arctic

  2. Antarctic

  3. Greenland

  4. Svalbard


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest permanent ice sheet on Earth, covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers.

What is the term used to describe a large area of open water surrounded by sea ice?

  1. Iceberg

  2. Polynya

  3. Ice Floe

  4. Ice Tongue


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Polynyas are important areas for marine life as they provide access to open water and food sources during the winter months.

Which type of sea ice is characterized by its flat and smooth surface?

  1. Pancake Ice

  2. Brash Ice

  3. Nilas Ice

  4. Multi-Year Ice


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Nilas ice is thin, newly formed sea ice that has a smooth and unbroken surface.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice breaking up into smaller pieces?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Ice Floe Formation

  3. Sea Ice Drift

  4. Ice Jamming


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Ice floes are formed when sea ice breaks up into smaller pieces due to wind, waves, or currents.

Which polar region is experiencing the most rapid sea ice loss?

  1. Arctic

  2. Antarctic

  3. Greenland

  4. Svalbard


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Arctic is experiencing the most rapid sea ice loss due to the effects of climate change.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice freezing and attaching to the coastline?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Polynya Formation

  3. Sea Ice Extent

  4. Fast Ice Formation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Fast ice is sea ice that is attached to the coastline and remains in place throughout the winter months.

Which type of sea ice is characterized by its thick and irregular surface?

  1. Pancake Ice

  2. Brash Ice

  3. Nilas Ice

  4. Multi-Year Ice


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Multi-Year Ice is sea ice that has survived at least one summer melt season and is characterized by its thick and irregular surface.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice breaking away from the coastline?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Ice Floe Formation

  3. Sea Ice Drift

  4. Ice Jamming


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Iceberg calving occurs when large pieces of ice break away from glaciers or ice shelves and fall into the ocean.

Which polar region is home to the largest population of polar bears?

  1. Arctic

  2. Antarctic

  3. Greenland

  4. Svalbard


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Arctic is home to the largest population of polar bears, with an estimated population of around 20,000 to 25,000 individuals.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice melting and forming new ice?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Polynya Formation

  3. Sea Ice Extent

  4. Ice-Albedo Feedback


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sea Ice Extent refers to the area covered by sea ice at any given time.

Which type of sea ice is characterized by its small, round shape?

  1. Pancake Ice

  2. Brash Ice

  3. Nilas Ice

  4. Multi-Year Ice


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Pancake ice is characterized by its small, round shape and is formed when waves break up larger pieces of sea ice.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice moving under the influence of wind and currents?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Polynya Formation

  3. Sea Ice Drift

  4. Ice Jamming


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sea ice drift refers to the movement of sea ice under the influence of wind and currents.

Which polar region is home to the largest population of emperor penguins?

  1. Arctic

  2. Antarctic

  3. Greenland

  4. Svalbard


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Antarctic is home to the largest population of emperor penguins, with an estimated population of around 200,000 breeding pairs.

What is the term used to describe the process of sea ice becoming thicker and more compact?

  1. Iceberg Calving

  2. Polynya Formation

  3. Sea Ice Extent

  4. Ice-Albedo Feedback


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ice-Albedo Feedback refers to the process where melting sea ice exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar radiation and further accelerates melting.

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