Oceans in Action (9th grade)

Front

What is a carbon sink?

Back

A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores carbon-containing chemical compounds for an indefinite period, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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What is ocean acidification?

Back

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to harmful effects on marine life.

Front

What is hydraulic fracturing?

Back

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations by injecting high-pressure fluid to create fractures.

Front

What are the effects of oil spills on marine life?

Back

Oil spills can coat the feathers of marine birds and the fur of marine mammals, affecting their insulation and buoyancy, and can also harm fish and other marine organisms.

Front

What are some threats to sea turtles?

Back

Threats to sea turtles include disappearing beaches from coastal development, entanglement in fishing nets, pollution from plastics and oil spills.

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What type of data is most convincing when evaluating coral reef protection solutions?

Back

Data on water temperature changes and their relationship to coral health in areas where the solution has been implemented is most convincing.

Front

What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?

Back

The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it, which helps regulate global climate.

Front

What is the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems?

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Climate change leads to rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and altered marine habitats, which can disrupt marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Front

What are the consequences of plastic pollution in the ocean?

Back

Plastic pollution can harm marine life through ingestion and entanglement, disrupt food chains, and damage habitats.

Front

How does temperature affect coral reefs?

Back

Coral reefs are sensitive to temperature changes; elevated temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, resulting in loss of color and health.