Ocean Conservation and Climate Impact

Oceans cover over 70% of Earth's surface, serving as a major habitat and climate regulator. They are divided into four regions and contain traces of all Earth's elements, tasting salty due to sodium and chloride ions. Climate change impacts oceans by warming them, raising sea levels, and causing acidification. Warmer oceans fuel stronger storms and threaten marine life, while rising seas lead to coastal flooding. Ocean acidification, caused by CO2 absorption, affects species' ability to form shells. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate these effects, though existing gases will persist for decades.

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

• 50%

• 60%

• 70%

• 80%

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

• Indian

• Pacific

• Atlantic

• Mediterranean

Why does the ocean taste salty?

• Because of the presence of fish

• Due to sodium and chloride ions from rainwater runoff and minerals from geothermal vents

• Due to pollution

• Because of the high temperature

What is the average rate of ocean surface temperature rise per decade over the past century?

• 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.33 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.03 degrees Fahrenheit

How does warmer ocean water affect storms?

• It fuels stronger and more frequent storms

• It has no effect on storms

• It reduces the frequency of storms

• It only affects storms in the polar regions

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

• It has decreased

• It has remained the same

• It has tripled

• It has doubled

What are the two main reasons for rising sea levels?

• Increased underwater volcanic activity and tectonic shifts

• Water expansion when heated and melting glaciers

• Increased marine life activity and underwater mining

• Increased rainfall and river flow

What is ocean acidification?

• Increase in ocean salinity

• Decrease in ocean temperature

• Increase in ocean pollution

• Absorption of CO2 by seawater, lowering its pH

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

• It makes it difficult for them to form shells or skeletons

• It increases their population

• It has no effect on them

• It makes it easier for them to form shells

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

• Increase fishing activities

• Dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Increase ocean exploration

• Build more coastal cities