Ch 12 Vocab Review

Front

Turbidity

Back

The level of transparency loss water has due to the presence of suspended particles in the water.

Front

Estuary

Back

A partially enclosed, tidal, coastal body of water where fresh water from a river meets the saltwater of the ocean.

Front

Reef erosion

Back

When a coral loses more of its calcium carbonate skeleton per year than it gains.

Front

Coral bleaching

Back

Whitening of coral that results from the loss of a coral’s symbiotic zooxanthellae.

Front

Deposition

Back

A geological process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass.

Front

Suspended particles

Back

Small solid or liquid particles that are dispersed in a fluid, affecting its clarity and quality.

Front

Symbiotic relationship

Back

A close interaction between two different species where both benefit, such as corals and zooxanthellae.

Front

Calcium carbonate

Back

A chemical compound (CaCO3) that is the primary component of coral skeletons.

Front

Tidal influence

Back

The effect of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on water levels in coastal areas.

Front

Ecosystem health

Back

A measure of the vitality and stability of an ecosystem, often indicated by biodiversity and water quality.