ES 10 oceans

Front

Which of the following would NOT be considered a type of water pollution? An oil rig exploding in the ocean, spilling oil; Upwelling on the coast; The drainage pipe near a paper mill, draining into the river; Someone tossing a plastic bag into the water, from their fishing boat; Rain mixing with fertilizer from a farm and running into a river

Back

Upwelling on the coast

Answer explanation

Upwelling on the coast is a natural process that brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, and it does not introduce harmful substances, unlike the other options which involve pollutants entering water bodies.

Front

What is labeled (A) on the diagram shown?

Back

Continental Slope

Answer explanation

The Continental Slope is the area between the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor. It is characterized by a steep descent, making it distinct from the flatter continental shelf and other features like oceanic trenches or mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is labeled (F) on the diagram shown?

Back

Continental Shelf

Answer explanation

Labeled (F) on the diagram refers to the Continental Shelf, which is the submerged border of a continent, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope.

Front

What is labeled (D) on the diagram shown? Options: Continental Shelf, Continental Slope, Oceanic Trench, Mid-Ocean Ridge

Back

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Answer explanation

Labeled (D) on the diagram refers to the Mid-Ocean Ridge, which is a continuous mountain range formed by tectonic plate movements under the ocean, distinguishing it from other features like the continental shelf or slope.

Front

What is labeled (G) on the diagram shown?

Back

Oceanic Trench

Answer explanation

Labeled (G) on the diagram refers to the Oceanic Trench, which is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, typically formed at convergent plate boundaries. It is distinct from the continental shelf and slope.

Front

What is labeled (B) on the diagram shown? Options: Seamount, Guyot, Volcanic Island Arc, Oceanic Trench, Mid-Ocean Ridge

Back

Seamount

Answer explanation

Labeled (B) on the diagram is a seamount, which is an underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity. Unlike a volcanic island arc, a seamount does not reach the ocean surface.

Front

What is labeled (C) on the diagram shown?

Back

Abyssal Plains

Answer explanation

Labeled (C) on the diagram refers to Abyssal Plains, which are flat, deep ocean floor areas. They are distinct from the Continental Shelf and Slope, which are shallower regions near coastlines.

Front

What is labeled (E) on the diagram shown? Seamount, Guyot, Abyssal Plains, Oceanic Trench, Mid-Ocean Ridge

Back

Guyot

Answer explanation

A guyot is an underwater volcanic mountain with a flat top, formed by erosion. In the diagram, labeled (E) represents a guyot, distinguishing it from other features like seamounts or oceanic trenches.

Front

What is the best definition of an estuary?

Back

An area where freshwater and salt water mix together

Answer explanation

An estuary is defined as an area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, making the correct choice "An area where freshwater and salt water mix together."

Front

Which of the following best describes the driving force for surface currents?
The gravity of the moon, Undercurrents, Wind, The gravity of the Sun, The electromagnetic shield surrounding Earth

Back

Wind

Answer explanation

Wind is the primary driving force for surface currents in the ocean, as it exerts friction on the water's surface, causing it to move. Other options like the gravity of the moon or the sun do not directly drive surface currents.