Exam 13: Oceans and Coastlines

Answer this question that relate to the sea level change graph below. -Based on the graph, what would you predict to find today on the continental shelf off the coast of Maine?

-Which conditions result in the highest wave height?

Coastal erosion and deposition occur constantly.

A long fetch increases frictional effects of wind.

Why do gyres rotate differently in the northern hemisphere than they do in the southern hemisphere?

Why is there salt in the oceans?

Which feature is affected most by sea level change?

North Atlantic Deep Water moves from the South Pole toward the North Pole.

Why did ocean circulation patterns change in the Atlantic 3 million years ago?

At which location would the waves break closer to the beach?

The surface of the ocean is at the same elevation everywhere.

-What is most likely to happen at an artificially nourished beach?

Three hotels are located near each other along a popular beach. Hotel 2 decides to build a groin (out into the long shore current). Which of the other hotels will sue to stop the construction?

Answer this question that relate to the sea level change graph below. -Compared to today, was it warmer or colder in the northeastern United States (on average) 11,000 years ago?

Salinity values in the open oceans are highest near the tropics.

Waves and currents are essentially the same thing.

A dam is built upstream from where you live. How might this affect sediment budgets downstream?

-Which structures are built offshore in an attempt to prevent beach erosion?

What would happen to tidal ranges if the moon were larger?

-Suppose you have learned to scuba dive and are on a diving trip in the Bahamas Islands. You are diving in an area where the waves are about 2 meters high and 10 meters apart. How deep must you dive to avoid being tossed around by the wave motion?