Marine Snow and Its Impact on the Ocean and Climate

The video explores the concept of marine snow, a crucial component of ocean ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. It explains how marine snow, composed of organic matter and plankton remains, sinks to the ocean floor, providing food for deep-sea life and storing carbon. This process plays a significant role in regulating Earth's climate by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels are disrupting this balance, leading to climate change. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving marine snow to mitigate climate impacts.

What is marine snow primarily composed of?

• Salt deposits

• Ice crystals

• Organic matter

• Sand particles

Which organisms are primarily responsible for forming marine snow?

• Coral

• Seaweed

• Plankton

• Fish

How do decomposers contribute to marine snow?

• By producing oxygen

• By attaching to organic matter

• By photosynthesizing

• By forming coral reefs

What is the primary role of marine snow in deep-sea ecosystems?

• Producing oxygen

• Creating heat

• Providing light

• Supplying food

What is the significance of marine snow in the carbon cycle?

• It increases atmospheric CO2

• It releases carbon into the atmosphere

• It reduces ocean acidity

• It stores carbon in the ocean floor

How does marine snow contribute to carbon storage?

• By producing methane

• By creating limestone deposits

• By forming icebergs

• By increasing ocean temperature

What historical climate change is associated with marine snow?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Cretaceous hot house

• The Ice Age

• The Medieval Warm Period

What human activities are reversing the natural carbon storage process?

• Planting trees

• Burning fossil fuels

• Recycling

• Using solar energy

Why is monitoring marine snow important for climate change?

• To increase ocean salinity

• To understand carbon storage

• To reduce ocean currents

• To enhance marine biodiversity

What effect does increased ocean acidity have on marine snow?

• It reduces ocean temperature

• It disrupts plankton communities

• It enhances carbon storage

• It increases marine biodiversity