APES ocean acidification and coral bleaching
This study set focuses on ocean acidification and coral bleaching, including their causes, effects, and the science behind them, crucial for AP Environmental Science exam preparation.
Quiz(72 questions)
1. What is ocean acidification?
Terms in this Study Set(72)
Ocean Acidification(20)
Ocean acidification definition
The decrease in pH of ocean water due to increased CO2 absorption.
Primary cause of ocean acidification
Increased atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
Effect on marine life
Disrupts calcification in organisms like corals and shellfish.
True or False: Ocean acidification increases pH levels.
False: It decreases pH levels, making oceans more acidic.
Chemical equation for ocean acidification
CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ HCO3- + H+ ↔ CO32- + H+.
Impact on coral reefs
Coral bleaching and reduced growth rates due to lower aragonite saturation.
Ocean pH change since pre-industrial times
Decreased by approximately 0.1 units (from 8.2 to 8.1).
Cause → Effect: Increased CO2 → ?
Decreased ocean pH and altered carbonate chemistry.
Difference between ocean acidification and climate change
Ocean acidification focuses on pH changes; climate change addresses temperature and weather patterns.
Effect on shellfish
Weakened shells due to reduced calcium carbonate availability.
Role of phytoplankton in carbon cycling
Absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, helping mitigate acidification.
Long-term consequence of ocean acidification
Potential collapse of marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Fill in the blank: Ocean acidification can lead to __________ of coral reefs.
bleaching and decreased biodiversity.
Current atmospheric CO2 concentration (2023)
Approximately 420 ppm (parts per million).
Economic impact of ocean acidification
Threatens fisheries, tourism, and coastal economies.
CO2 absorption percentage by oceans
About 30% of emitted CO2 is absorbed by oceans.
Effect of ocean acidification on food webs
Disrupts food sources for marine species, impacting higher trophic levels.
Ocean acidification monitoring method
pH sensors and satellite observations track changes.
Future projections of ocean acidification
If emissions continue, pH levels may drop by 0.3 to 0.4 units by 2100.
Key indicator species for studying acidification
Oysters and corals are commonly studied for impacts.
Coral Bleaching(20)
Coral bleaching
A stress response where corals expel symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), leading to loss of color.
What causes coral bleaching?
Increased sea temperatures, pollution, and changes in salinity contribute to coral stress.
True or False: Coral bleaching is irreversible.
False. If conditions improve, corals can recover and regain their symbiotic algae.
Symbiotic relationship in corals
Corals provide shelter; zooxanthellae provide energy through photosynthesis.
Impact of coral bleaching on marine life
Loss of habitat for fish and invertebrates, leading to decreased biodiversity.
Fill in the blank: Coral bleaching occurs when...
...zooxanthellae are expelled due to stress from environmental changes.
Major event highlighting coral bleaching
2014-2017 Great Barrier Reef bleaching event, where over 50% of corals were affected.
Coral bleaching: Short-term effects
Reduced energy availability, increased mortality rates, and vulnerability to diseases.
Coral reefs contribute to the economy by...
Supporting tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection, valued at approximately $375 billion.
Mechanism of thermal stress
Temperature rise >1°C above normal can lead to zooxanthellae expulsion.
What are the long-term effects of coral bleaching?
Biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and reduced coastal protection.
Prevention strategy: Marine protected areas
These areas limit human activities, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive.
Comparison: Healthy vs. bleached corals
Healthy: Vibrant colors, abundant zooxanthellae. Bleached: White, lacking symbionts.
Coral restoration techniques
Coral gardening, artificial reefs, and selective breeding of heat-resistant species.
True or False: All coral species are equally susceptible to bleaching.
False. Some species are more resilient to temperature changes than others.
Impact of ocean acidification on corals
Decreased calcification rates, weakening coral structures, making them more prone to stress.
Critical temperature threshold for corals
Corals typically bleach when temperatures exceed 1-2°C above normal for extended periods.
Economic impact of coral loss
Estimates show $300 billion annually in lost services and resources due to reef degradation.
Prevention strategy: Reducing carbon emissions
Lowering greenhouse gases can mitigate climate change, helping reduce coral bleaching events.
Coral bleaching and ocean currents
Changes in currents can distribute heat stress and toxins, exacerbating bleaching.
Interconnections(16)
Ocean acidification leads to coral bleaching. True or False?
True. Increased CO2 lowers pH, harming coral health.
What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?
Increased atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuels dissolves in oceans, forming carbonic acid.
Coral bleaching results from stressors. Name one.
Elevated sea temperatures, often linked to climate change.
Fill in the blank: Ocean acidification affects _______ carbonate ions.
Calcium. Reduced carbonate ions hinder coral and shellfish growth.
How does climate change affect coral reefs?
Warmer waters cause bleaching; increased CO2 leads to acidification.
What happens to coral when pH decreases?
Corals experience decreased calcification rates, compromising structure and growth.
Cause → Effect: Increased CO2 → _______?
Ocean acidification. Leads to lower pH and carbonate availability.
Compare coral reefs and ocean acidification effects.
Coral reefs: biodiversity hotspots. Ocean acidification: harms calcifying organisms.
True or False: Ocean acidification directly causes coral to bleach.
False. While it contributes, bleaching mainly results from temperature stress.
What is the significance of carbonate ions for corals?
Carbonate ions are crucial for coral calcification and reef structure.
Increased sea temperatures affect coral. How?
They stress corals, leading to expulsion of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae).
Effect of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity?
Reduces species diversity by affecting calcifying organisms and food webs.
Coral reefs and climate change: interlinked how?
Coral reefs are sensitive to temperature changes and acidification effects.
What role do coral reefs play in coastal protection?
They buffer shorelines against storm surges; their loss exposes coasts.
How does ocean acidification impact fisheries?
Reduces fish stocks by harming larval and juvenile stages of key species.
True or False: All coral species are equally vulnerable to bleaching.
False. Species vary in resilience; some withstand higher temperatures.
Mitigation and Adaptation(16)
Reduce carbon emissions → impact on ocean acidification?
Lowering carbon emissions reduces CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to less dissolution in oceans, thus mitigating ocean acidification.
True or False: Coral restoration is essential for adaptation.
True. Coral restoration increases resilience against bleaching and promotes biodiversity.
Name two strategies for coral bleaching mitigation.
1. Reducing water pollution 2. Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs)
Carbon capture technology → purpose?
To capture CO2 emissions from sources like power plants, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and oceans.
What is ocean alkalinity enhancement?
A method to increase ocean pH by adding alkaline substances, helping counteract acidification effects.
Fill in the blank: Marine protected areas help ______ biodiversity.
preserve
Comparison: Mitigation vs. Adaptation.
Mitigation: Reducing causes of climate change. Adaptation: Adjusting practices to cope with effects.
Coral gardening → definition?
A method of cultivating corals in nurseries to enhance reef restoration and resilience.
What role do regulatory policies play in mitigating ocean acidification?
Regulatory policies can limit emissions, enforce sustainable practices, and promote research funding.
True or False: Ocean acidification only affects coral reefs.
False. It impacts marine ecosystems, including shellfish, plankton, and entire food webs.
Impact of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs?
It leads to increased bleaching events, diminishing coral health and affecting marine biodiversity.
Name one community-based adaptation strategy.
Creating local monitoring programs for coral health and community involvement in conservation.
What is the significance of reducing nutrient run-off?
It lowers eutrophication, which can exacerbate coral bleaching and promote harmful algal blooms.
Define ocean-based carbon sequestration.
A process of capturing and storing CO2 in ocean systems, enhancing the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.
Example: Effective coral bleaching response plan.
Implementing temporary shading or cooling measures during heatwaves to protect vulnerable coral species.
Ocean resilience strategies → list three.
1. Habitat restoration 2. Species management 3. Climate adaptation planning
Questions in this Study Set(72)
1. What is ocean acidification?
2. What is the primary cause of coral bleaching?
3. What is the primary chemical change in ocean acidification?
4. What is the primary goal of reducing carbon emissions in relation to ocean acidification?
5. Which human activity is the primary cause of ocean acidification?
6. Coral bleaching can lead to which of the following?
7. Which factor is NOT a direct stressor for coral bleaching?
8. True or False: Coral restoration efforts can enhance the resilience of coral reefs to climate change effects.
9. How does ocean acidification affect shellfish?
10. Which of the following statements is true regarding coral recovery after bleaching?
11. What happens to coral reefs as ocean acidity increases?
12. Which of the following is a strategy for mitigating coral bleaching?
13. True or False: Ocean acidification increases ocean pH levels.
14. What is the role of zooxanthellae in coral health?
15. Which of the following is a consequence of coral bleaching?
16. What is the main function of carbon capture technology?
17. What is the chemical equation that represents ocean acidification?
18. During which period did the Great Barrier Reef experience significant coral bleaching?
19. Ocean acidification affects which of the following structures in marine organisms?
20. Ocean alkalinity enhancement primarily aims to:
21. What impact does ocean acidification have on coral reefs?
22. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of coral bleaching?
23. How does rising CO2 levels affect coral calcification?
24. Fill in the blank: Marine protected areas help ______ biodiversity.
25. Since pre-industrial times, how much has the ocean's pH changed?
26. How does ocean acidification directly affect coral reefs?
27. Which coral species is likely to exhibit greater resilience to temperature changes?
28. What is the key difference between mitigation and adaptation?
29. Match the cause to its effect: Increased CO2 → ?
30. Which temperature threshold can trigger coral bleaching?
31. What role do zooxanthellae play in coral health?
32. Coral gardening is best defined as:
33. Which of the following is NOT a difference between ocean acidification and climate change?
34. What is a key economic impact of coral reef degradation?
35. Which of the following is a significant impact of ocean acidification on fisheries?
36. What is the role of regulatory policies in mitigating ocean acidification?
37. What role do phytoplankton play in relation to ocean acidification?
38. Which strategy can help prevent coral bleaching?
39. What is a primary cause of coral reef degradation linked to climate change?
40. True or False: Ocean acidification primarily affects just coral reefs.
41. What is a long-term consequence of ocean acidification?
42. Healthy corals are characterized by which of the following?
43. How does ocean acidification influence the food web in marine ecosystems?
44. The impact of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs is primarily:
45. Fill in the blank: Ocean acidification can lead to __________ of coral reefs.
46. True or False: All coral species are sensitive to bleaching events.
47. True or False: Coral reefs are unaffected by changes in water temperature.
48. Name one community-based adaptation strategy for coral reefs.
49. What is the current atmospheric CO2 concentration approximately as of 2023?
50. Which of the following is an effect of increased sea temperatures on corals?
51. What is the significance of carbonate ions for marine life?
52. Why is it significant to reduce nutrient runoff in coastal areas?
53. What percentage of emitted CO2 is absorbed by the oceans?
54. What is a coral restoration technique?
55. Which of the following statements is true about coral resilience?
56. Define ocean-based carbon sequestration.
57. How does ocean acidification affect food webs?
58. How do changes in ocean currents relate to coral bleaching?
59. Which organism is primarily affected by ocean acidification due to its calcium carbonate structure?
60. An effective coral bleaching response plan might include:
61. What method is commonly used to monitor ocean acidification?
62. What is the primary purpose of reducing carbon emissions related to coral reefs?
63. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between ocean acidification and coral reefs?
64. Which of the following is NOT a strategy for enhancing ocean resilience?
65. If emissions continue to rise, what may happen to ocean pH levels by 2100?
66. Which statement best describes the relationship between corals and zooxanthellae?
67. Which species is commonly studied as an indicator for ocean acidification?
68. Which of the following best describes coral bleaching?
69. What is the primary effect of ocean acidification on marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate?
70. What effect does coral bleaching have on marine biodiversity?
71. Which of the following statements about ocean acidification is NOT true?
72. Which of the following is a true statement about the recovery of coral after bleaching?
Related Study Sets
Test: Treibhausgase
Mülltrennung
AP Environmental Science climate change key terms
APES population and demographics
Practice: APES land and water use
APES pollution types study guide
APES energy resources flashcards
Energiewende Überblick
Create Your Own Study Set
Upload a PDF, paste your notes, or describe a topic – AI generates flashcards, quizzes and more in seconds.
