MidUnit 2 Review

Which factor has a definite pattern of variation with respect to latitude?

• density

• pH

• salinity

• temperature

Answer explanation

Water closer to the equator will be warmer due to the direct angle of the sun. Water closer to the poles will be cooler.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Look at the diagram of sea-surface temperatures. In which areas would you expect to find the highest salinity?

• the North Atlantic

• the mid-Atlantic

• the Arctic Sea

• the Antarctic Ocean

Answer explanation

Areas where the ocean-surface temperatures are highest will have the highest rates of evaporation. This will cause the water to have a higher salinity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

According to the density profile shown here, at which depth would you find the coolest, saltiest waters?

• depth A

• depth B

• depth C

• you cannot tell from this graph

Answer explanation

Temperature and density have an inverse relationship - as temperature decreases, density increases. Salt is directly related to density - as salinity increases, so does density.

Which explanation best describes the development of a wave?

• Wind blows water along in one direction, thereby causing it to move great distances.

• The air mixes with the water to produce a wave.

• Friction between the moving air and the underlying water imparts energy, which causes the water to move horizontally great distances.

• Friction between the moving air and the underlying water imparts energy, which causes the water to move in a circular motion, but the energy moves great distances.

Answer explanation

Wind uses friction to "push" the surface water, while deeper water stays still and "pulls" on the surface water -- this "push-pull" action creates a circular orbit causes waves

Which explanation would account for Iceland's climate if there were no surface currents?

• Iceland would become drier and cooler.

• Iceland would be wetter and warmer.

• Iceland would become wetter and colder.

• Iceland would become drier and warmer.

Answer explanation

Warm air and water are brought to Iceland, giving it a warmer climate than would normally occur at that latitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The western shoreline of a continent in the Northern Hemisphere runs directly in a north-south direction. Prevailing winds blowing from the _____ will produce coastal upwelling. Which word best completes the sentence?

• west

• east

• south

• north

Answer explanation

Upwelling occurs when surface water is shifted and water comes up from below to replace it.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Two divers are diving in clear ocean water at a depth of 175 m. One diver shows a white marker board to the other with writing on it. What color will the marker board appear to be?

• red

• orange

• violet

• blue

Answer explanation

Seawater absorbs light, so not all wavelengths reach the same depths. The blue wavelength travels the deepest.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which factor drives global thermohaline (conveyor belt) circulation?

• changes in gravity

• changes in wind direction and velocity

• changes in density

• changes in pH

Answer explanation

Changes in density cause seawater to rise or sink, creating convection. This creates movement and circulation around the globe with the uneven heating of the ocean surface waters.

Which factor changes on a daily basis?

• a coast

• a shoreline

• a shore

• a beach

Answer explanation

Tides change throughout the day, changing the shape of the shoreline.

Which factors interact to create currents that are 50 m deep?

• wind, temperature, and salinity

• density, temperature, and salinity

• wind, friction, and the Coriolis Effect

• temperature, gravity, and the Coriolis Effect

Answer explanation

50 m is relatively shallow, so wind and friction will still impact those waters. The Coriolis Effect will cause the currents to flow in a specific direction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6