1.
Which direction do most ocean currents flow at the equator?
Correct Answer
C. West
Explanation
Most ocean currents flow from east to west at the equator due to the trade winds and the Coriolis effect. The trade winds blow from east to west, pushing the surface waters of the ocean in the same direction. Additionally, the Coriolis effect, caused by the rotation of the Earth, deflects the moving water to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the net flow of ocean currents at the equator is towards the west.
2.
What ocean borders Japan to the east?
Correct Answer
B. Pacific Ocean
Explanation
Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, and it is surrounded by water on all sides. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean in the world, and it borders Japan to the east. The Pacific Ocean is known for its vast size and diverse marine life, making it an important part of Japan's geography and culture.
3.
What did Balboa originally name the Pacific Ocean?
Correct Answer
C. South Sea
Explanation
Balboa originally named the Pacific Ocean the "South Sea." This was because when he first discovered the ocean, he did so from the vantage point of the Isthmus of Panama, which is located in the southern part of the continent. Therefore, he referred to it as the South Sea to distinguish it from the Atlantic Ocean, which is located to the north. It was later renamed the Pacific Ocean by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who sailed across it and found it to be much calmer and peaceful compared to the Atlantic.
4.
Where in the ocean would you find lobsters living?
Correct Answer
A. The Floor
Explanation
Lobsters are typically found on the ocean floor. They are bottom-dwelling creatures that prefer rocky or sandy habitats. Lobsters use their strong claws to hide in crevices and burrows on the ocean floor, where they can seek shelter and protection. This is why the correct answer is "The Floor."
5.
As much as 80% of marine debris comes from what source?
Correct Answer
C. Polluted Watersheds
Explanation
Polluted watersheds are the primary source of marine debris, contributing up to 80% of it. Watersheds are areas of land that drain into a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. When these watersheds become polluted due to human activities like agriculture, urban runoff, or improper waste disposal, the pollutants eventually make their way into the marine environment. This pollution includes various types of debris like plastics, metals, and chemicals, which harm marine life and ecosystems. Therefore, polluted watersheds play a significant role in the accumulation of marine debris.
6.
What was the largest oil spill in terms of volume in the 20th century?
Correct Answer
B. Gulf War
Explanation
The Gulf War is the correct answer because it involved the deliberate release of large quantities of oil into the Persian Gulf during the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait in 1991. This resulted in an estimated 240-336 million gallons of oil being spilled, making it the largest oil spill in terms of volume in the 20th century. The other options mentioned, Ixtoc I, Exxon Valdez, and Fergana Valley, were significant oil spills as well, but their volumes were smaller compared to the Gulf War spill.
7.
The world's largest hypoxic "dead zone" is located in what body of water?
Correct Answer
A. Gulf Of Mexico
Explanation
The Gulf of Mexico is home to the world's largest hypoxic "dead zone," which is an area of water with significantly reduced oxygen levels. This dead zone is caused by excess nutrients, primarily from agricultural runoff, which leads to algal blooms. The algae consume oxygen when they decompose, creating a low-oxygen environment that is unable to support marine life. The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is a significant environmental concern and has detrimental effects on the ecosystem and economy of the region.
8.
Which of these chemicals is often used to reduce phosphates in water?
Correct Answer
D. Aluminum Sulfate
Explanation
Aluminum sulfate is often used to reduce phosphates in water. It is a chemical compound that is effective in binding with phosphates, forming insoluble particles that can be easily removed from the water. This process helps in reducing the levels of phosphates, which can cause excessive algae growth and lead to water pollution. Therefore, aluminum sulfate is commonly employed as a water treatment agent to improve water quality and prevent environmental issues caused by high phosphate levels.
9.
The world's largest artificial reef, the U.S.S. Oriskany, can be found in what ocean?
Correct Answer
D. Atlantic Ocean
Explanation
The correct answer is Atlantic Ocean. The U.S.S. Oriskany is the world's largest artificial reef and it can be found in the Atlantic Ocean.
10.
In the 1970's, a large and failed expansion to Florida's Osborne Reef was comprised mostly of what?
Correct Answer
D. Old Tires
Explanation
In the 1970's, a failed expansion to Florida's Osborne Reef was mostly comprised of old tires. This expansion project aimed to create an artificial reef by dumping various materials into the ocean. However, the use of old tires proved to be ineffective and detrimental to the marine ecosystem. The tires caused damage to the coral reefs and disrupted the natural habitat of marine life. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and sustainable practices when it comes to environmental conservation.
11.
The government-sanctioned plan to sink ships in order to create reefs is referred to as what?
Correct Answer
B. Rigs-To-Reefs
Explanation
The correct answer is Rigs-To-Reefs. This government-sanctioned plan involves sinking ships to create artificial reefs. This process involves converting decommissioned oil rigs and other structures into artificial reefs to provide habitats for marine life. By sinking these ships, the government aims to promote biodiversity and create recreational opportunities for divers and fishermen.
12.
Which of these is a type of natural coral reef?
Correct Answer
D. Atoll
Explanation
An atoll is a type of natural coral reef. It is a ring-shaped reef, usually formed around a central lagoon, and is typically found in warm, tropical waters. Atolls are formed over thousands of years as coral polyps build up and create a structure that protects the central lagoon. They are home to a diverse range of marine life and are often popular destinations for diving and snorkeling.
13.
Coral, the largest component of reefs, is most like what type of organism?
Correct Answer
A. Animal
Explanation
Coral is most like an animal because it belongs to the phylum Cnidaria, which includes other animals such as jellyfish and sea anemones. Coral polyps, the individual units that make up a coral colony, are tiny animals that have a soft body with tentacles and a mouth. They also have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues and provide them with nutrients. Therefore, coral is classified as an animal rather than a fungus, virus, or plant.
14.
The dumping of most toxic chemicals into the ocean was banned by what treaty?
Correct Answer
A. The London Convention
Explanation
The London Convention is the correct answer because it is an international treaty specifically aimed at preventing the dumping of harmful substances and materials into the ocean. It was adopted in 1972 and has been ratified by numerous countries around the world. The treaty sets guidelines and regulations for the disposal of waste and other pollutants at sea to protect marine life and the overall health of the oceans. The other options, such as the Kyoto Protocols, the Ocean Pollution Act, and the Niemeyer Accord, do not specifically address the banning of toxic chemicals in the ocean.
15.
As it pertains to oceans, what is bioremediation?
Correct Answer
A. Microorganism To Clean Pollution
Explanation
Bioremediation refers to the use of microorganisms to clean up or degrade pollutants in the environment, specifically in this case, in the oceans. Microorganisms are capable of breaking down and metabolizing various pollutants, such as oil spills or chemical contaminants, and converting them into less harmful substances. This natural process of bioremediation helps to restore the health and balance of marine ecosystems by removing or reducing the impact of pollutants on marine life.