Ocean and Aquatic Ecosystems

Benthos

• Organisms that live on, or near, the bottom of a body of water

• Fish that swim in the open water

• Plants that float on the surface of the water

• Microorganisms that live in the water column

Estuary

• A body of water where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean, allowing for a mix of both.

• A type of wetland that is permanently flooded with saltwater.

• An area of land that is completely dry and devoid of water.

• A deep ocean trench where marine life thrives.

Downwelling

• Movement of water in ocean that brings dissolved oxygen down to deeper waters

• Movement of water that brings nutrients to the surface

• A process that occurs when water evaporates from the ocean

• The upward movement of cold water from the ocean floor

Upwelling

• Movement of water in ocean that brings nutrients up to surface

• A process where ocean water sinks to the depths

• A phenomenon that causes ocean water to warm up

• The flow of water away from the shore

Nekton

• Swimming organisms

• Organisms that live on the ocean floor

• Planktonic organisms

• Terrestrial animals

Submersible

• Underwater vehicle designed for research and exploration

• A type of fish that lives in deep waters

• A device used for measuring ocean currents

• A type of submarine used in military operations

SONAR

• Method using sound waves to detect depth or location of objects

• Technique for measuring temperature in water

• System for tracking aircraft in the sky

• Device for underwater photography

Brackish

• Water that has more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater

• Water that is completely free of salt

• Water that has the same salinity as seawater

• Water that is less salty than brine

Salinity

• Amount of salt dissolved in a body of water

• The temperature of the water

• The clarity of the water

• The presence of aquatic life

Continental shelf

• The area of land that is permanently submerged underwater.

• The gradually sloping land that extends from the coastline of a continent to the drop-off at the continental slope.

• A steep underwater cliff that marks the edge of a continent.

• The flat, deep ocean floor beyond the continental slope.