Hydrosphere EOG Questions

Which best describes the relationship between salinity levels and the amount of dissolved gases in ocean water?

• As salinity increases, the amount of dissolved gases increases.

• As salinity increases, the amount of dissolved gases decreases.

• As salinity decreases, the amount of dissolved gases decreases.

• As salinity decreases, the amount of dissolved gases remains the same.

Manganese nodules are found 4 m below the ocean surface on the deep ocean floor. Which best describes an efficient way to collect these rich metal deposits?

• Drag nets across the bottom.

• Train dolphins to collect the nodules in nets.

• Use robots with suction cups to collect the nodules.

• Send divers to the bottom to collect the nodules in a bucket.

Which best describes the water found in estuaries?

• brackish

• salt water

• freshwater

Which best explains why inhabitants of an estuary must adapt to frequent environmental changes?

• Estuaries receive little sunlight.

• The water temperature is constantly warm.

• The salinity of the water is constantly changing.

• Low levels of oxygen are absorbed by the water.

Which characteristic distinguishes an estuary from other bodies of water?

• plant life

• animal life

• salinity level

• dissolved oxygen

Which area of deep ocean research provides the most economic benefit?

• hydropower

• new habitats

• oil resources

• sea floor spreading

Why are many fishing boats found near ocean upwellings?

• There is less vegetation there.

• The water is less turbulent there.

• Many marine species gather there to eat the nutrients brought to the surface.

• Upwellings are found in more shallow waters, so boats do not need deep anchorage.

Why are estuaries often valued as the center of human coastal communities?

• Estuaries create mild habitats for deep sea life.

• Estuaries enhance marine biology resources for the future.

• Estuaries are needed to filter pollution out of ocean water.

• Estuaries provide a place for people to live, fish, and swim.

How does burning fossil fuels on land impact CO2 levels in the ocean?

• If oceans absorb too much CO2 from the atmosphere, then the water increases in turbidity, harming marine life.

• As oceans absorb CO2 gases from the atmosphere, their dissolved

  oxygen levels decrease, harming marine life.

• Oceans absorb CO2 gases until levels become too high, then they can no longer be processed by the ocean and become harmful to marine life.

Which will most likely result if there is increased upwelling in a coastal area?

• more aquatic life

• less nutrients in the water

• higher water temperatures

• fewer nitrates