Ocean Science and Environmental Impact

Oceans cover over 70% of Earth's surface, serving as a major habitat and climate regulator. They are divided into four regions: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic. Oceans are salty due to sodium and chloride ions. Climate change impacts oceans by warming them, raising sea levels, and causing acidification. Warmer oceans lead to stronger storms and threaten marine life. Rising sea levels result from thermal expansion and melting ice, causing coastal flooding. Ocean acidification, due to CO2 absorption, harms species like oysters and corals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate these effects.

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

• 70%

• 50%

• 80%

• 60%

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major ocean regions?

• Atlantic

• Southern

• Pacific

• Indian

Why does ocean water taste salty?

• Presence of algae

• High concentration of oxygen

• Because of sodium and chloride ions

• Due to high levels of sugar

What has been the average rate of increase in the ocean's surface temperature over the past century?

• 0.33 degrees Fahrenheit per decade

• 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit per decade

• 0.03 degrees Fahrenheit per decade

• 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit per decade

How do higher ocean temperatures affect marine life?

• They enhance coral growth

• They increase the oxygen levels

• They reduce the number of storms

• They disrupt the food chain

Since 1993, how has the rate of sea level rise changed?

• It has doubled

• It has tripled

• It has remained the same

• It has decreased

What contributes to rising sea levels?

• Increased rainfall

• Expansion of water when heated

• Decreased evaporation

• Increased salinity

What is ocean acidification?

• Increase in ocean's pH

• Decrease in ocean's pH

• Decrease in ocean's salinity

• Increase in ocean's salinity

How does ocean acidification affect marine species like oysters and clams?

• It makes it difficult for them to form shells

• It makes it easier for them to form shells

• It increases their population

• It has no effect on them

What is the only way to stop the damage to our oceans?

• Increase fishing activities

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Increase ocean salinity

• Reduce ocean temperature