Oceanography Final Review

Front

What is the recharge zone in an aquifer?

Back

The recharge zone is the area where water infiltrates the ground and replenishes the aquifer, typically having the highest elevation.

Front

Define intermittent flow in water bodies.

Back

Intermittent flow refers to water bodies that are dry for most parts of the year but may flow during certain periods, often due to seasonal rainfall.

Front

What is thermal stratification in lakes?

Back

Thermal stratification is the layering of water in a lake during summer, where warmer water is found on the surface (epilimnion) and cooler water at the bottom (hypolimnion), separated by the thermocline.

Front

What is the thermocline?

Back

The thermocline is the layer in a body of water that separates warmer surface water from cooler deep water, characterized by a rapid change in temperature.

Front

Which zone in a lake contains the most life?

Back

The littoral zone around the shoreline contains the most life due to its abundant sunlight and nutrients.

Front

What is the limnetic zone?

Back

The limnetic zone is the open water area of a lake where light penetrates, supporting photosynthetic organisms.

Front

Define the profundal zone in a lake.

Back

The profundal zone is the deep, dark part of a lake where light does not penetrate, typically having lower temperatures and less life.

Front

What is the benthic zone?

Back

The benthic zone refers to the bottom of a water body, including the sediment, where organisms such as decomposers and detritivores live.

Front

Explain the concept of an aquifer.

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water, providing a source of groundwater.

Front

What is the significance of the littoral zone?

Back

The littoral zone is significant for its biodiversity, as it supports a variety of aquatic plants and animals due to its proximity to the shore.