Climate Change and Its Impact on Oceans

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. Climate change is impacting oceans by warming them, raising sea levels, and causing acidification. These changes threaten marine life and coastal regions. To mitigate damage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, though existing gases will persist for decades.

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

• 80%

• 50%

• 60%

• 70%

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

• Pacific

• Atlantic

• Mediterranean

• Arctic

Why does the ocean taste salty?

• Due to high levels of sugar

• Due to algae

• Because of sodium and chloride ions

• Presence of freshwater

What is one major effect of the ocean warming?

• Decrease in sea levels

• Reduction in ocean salinity

• Stronger and more frequent storms

• Increase in polar ice

How much has the ocean's surface temperature risen per decade over the past century?

• 0.33 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit

• 0.03 degrees Fahrenheit

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

• It has decreased

• It has remained the same

• It has doubled

• It has tripled

What contributes to rising sea levels?

• Thermal expansion and melting ice

• Increased ocean salinity

• Increased rainfall

• Decreased evaporation

What is ocean acidification?

• Decrease in ocean temperature

• Increase in ocean biodiversity

• Absorption of CO2 lowering pH

• Increase in ocean salinity

What is a consequence of ocean acidification on marine life?

• Easier shell formation

• Increased coral growth

• Increased fish population

• Difficulty in forming shells for species like oysters

What is the primary solution to stop damage to our oceans?

• Increase fishing activities

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Decrease ocean temperature

• Increase ocean salinity