Physical Oceanography

Description: This quiz covers various aspects of Physical Oceanography, including ocean circulation, waves, tides, and properties of seawater.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: physical oceanography ocean circulation waves tides seawater properties
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which of the following is the primary driving force behind ocean circulation?

  1. Wind

  2. Solar Radiation

  3. Earth's Rotation

  4. Density Differences


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Wind is the primary driving force behind ocean circulation, as it transfers energy to the ocean and generates currents.

What is the name given to the large-scale ocean current that flows from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean?

  1. Agulhas Current

  2. Gulf Stream

  3. Kuroshio Current

  4. Benguela Current


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Agulhas Current is the large-scale ocean current that flows from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.

Which type of wave is characterized by a circular motion of water particles?

  1. Transverse Wave

  2. Longitudinal Wave

  3. Surface Wave

  4. Standing Wave


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Standing waves are characterized by a circular motion of water particles.

What is the term used to describe the vertical rise and fall of sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun?

  1. Waves

  2. Tides

  3. Currents

  4. Surges


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Tides are the vertical rise and fall of sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Which property of seawater is responsible for its ability to support marine life?

  1. Salinity

  2. Density

  3. Temperature

  4. pH


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The pH of seawater is responsible for its ability to support marine life.

What is the term used to describe the process by which seawater becomes denser as its temperature decreases?

  1. Thermal Expansion

  2. Thermal Contraction

  3. Salinity Increase

  4. Density Increase


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Thermal contraction is the process by which seawater becomes denser as its temperature decreases.

Which of the following is the primary factor that determines the density of seawater?

  1. Temperature

  2. Salinity

  3. Pressure

  4. Depth


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Salinity is the primary factor that determines the density of seawater.

What is the term used to describe the vertical mixing of ocean water due to differences in density?

  1. Upwelling

  2. Downwelling

  3. Convection

  4. Diffusion


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Convection is the vertical mixing of ocean water due to differences in density.

Which type of wave is characterized by a back-and-forth motion of water particles?

  1. Transverse Wave

  2. Longitudinal Wave

  3. Surface Wave

  4. Standing Wave


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Transverse waves are characterized by a back-and-forth motion of water particles.

What is the term used to describe the process by which seawater becomes less dense as its temperature increases?

  1. Thermal Expansion

  2. Thermal Contraction

  3. Salinity Increase

  4. Density Decrease


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Thermal expansion is the process by which seawater becomes less dense as its temperature increases.

Which of the following is the primary factor that determines the temperature of seawater?

  1. Latitude

  2. Depth

  3. Salinity

  4. Ocean Currents


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Latitude is the primary factor that determines the temperature of seawater.

What is the term used to describe the horizontal movement of ocean water?

  1. Waves

  2. Tides

  3. Currents

  4. Surges


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Currents are the horizontal movement of ocean water.

Which type of wave is characterized by a long wavelength and low frequency?

  1. Transverse Wave

  2. Longitudinal Wave

  3. Surface Wave

  4. Standing Wave


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Surface waves are characterized by a long wavelength and low frequency.

What is the term used to describe the process by which seawater becomes denser as its salinity increases?

  1. Thermal Expansion

  2. Thermal Contraction

  3. Salinity Increase

  4. Density Increase


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Salinity increase is the process by which seawater becomes denser as its salinity increases.

Which of the following is the primary factor that determines the salinity of seawater?

  1. Latitude

  2. Depth

  3. Evaporation

  4. Precipitation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Evaporation is the primary factor that determines the salinity of seawater.

- Hide questions