Oceanography Concepts and Processes

What is the study of the ocean called?

• Oceanography

• Hydrology

• Geology

• Meteorology

What is the primary cause of most waves on the ocean surface?

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

• Wind

• Gravitational pull of the moon

What causes the daily, periodic rise and fall of ocean water levels known as tides?

• Ocean currents

• Wind patterns

• Gravitational pull of the sun and moon

• Underwater earthquakes

During which moon phases do spring tides occur?

• First quarter and third quarter

• New moon and full moon

• Waxing crescent and waning gibbous

• Full moon and third quarter

How do ocean currents contribute to balancing Earth's temperature?

• They create tsunamis

• They cause sea levels to rise

• They carry warm water to the poles and cold water to the equator

• They increase the salinity of ocean water

What happens to sea levels when ice caps melt?

• Sea levels fall

• Sea levels rise

• Sea levels remain unchanged

• Sea levels become unpredictable

What is upwelling?

• The movement of warm surface water towards the poles

• The process of fresh and salt water mixing

• The bringing of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface

• The daily rise and fall of ocean water levels

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a resource or benefit provided by oceans?

• Food

• Transportation

• Diamonds

• Petroleum