APES Sea Level Rise and Ocean Acidification
40 flashcards covering APES Sea Level Rise and Ocean Acidification for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 9 section.
Sea level rise and ocean acidification are critical environmental issues covered in Unit 9 of the AP Environmental Science curriculum. These phenomena are primarily driven by climate change and human activities, leading to significant ecological and socio-economic impacts. Understanding the scientific principles behind these processes is essential for addressing environmental challenges and informing policy decisions.
On practice exams, questions about sea level rise and ocean acidification often involve data interpretation, case studies, and the application of concepts to real-world scenarios. Common traps include confusing the causes of ocean acidification with its effects or misinterpreting data related to sea level trends. Students may also overlook the importance of local geographic factors that influence sea level rise, leading to incorrect answers on questions assessing regional impacts.
A practical tip to remember is to consider the cumulative effects of these environmental changes on coastal communities, as this often highlights the interconnectedness of ecological and human systems.
Terms (40)
- 01
What is ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, leading to harmful effects on marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate structures (College Board AP CED).
- 02
How does increased CO2 contribute to sea level rise?
Increased CO2 leads to global warming, causing thermal expansion of seawater and melting of ice sheets and glaciers, which contribute to rising sea levels (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What is the primary cause of sea level rise?
The primary cause of sea level rise is climate change, driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in thermal expansion and melting ice (College Board AP CED).
- 04
How often should coastal ecosystems be monitored for changes due to sea level rise?
Coastal ecosystems should be monitored regularly, ideally annually, to assess impacts from sea level rise and develop adaptive management strategies (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What is the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs?
Ocean acidification negatively impacts coral reefs by reducing calcium carbonate availability, which is essential for coral growth and structural integrity (College Board AP CED).
- 06
Under the Clean Water Act, what is required to address ocean acidification?
Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop water quality standards that protect aquatic life, which includes addressing the impacts of ocean acidification (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What is the relationship between sea level rise and storm surges?
Sea level rise increases the baseline level of the ocean, making storm surges more destructive and leading to greater flooding during extreme weather events (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What are some potential socioeconomic impacts of sea level rise?
Potential socioeconomic impacts of sea level rise include displacement of communities, loss of property, and increased costs for infrastructure adaptation (College Board AP CED).
- 09
How does ocean acidification affect shellfish populations?
Ocean acidification can weaken shellfish shells, making them more vulnerable to predation and reducing their survival rates (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What is the effect of thermal expansion on sea level rise?
Thermal expansion occurs as water warms, causing it to occupy more volume, which contributes significantly to sea level rise (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What role do wetlands play in mitigating sea level rise?
Wetlands act as natural buffers against sea level rise by absorbing excess water and providing habitat for biodiversity, thus enhancing resilience (College Board AP CED).
- 12
How can communities adapt to the impacts of sea level rise?
Communities can adapt to sea level rise through strategies such as building sea walls, restoring natural barriers, and implementing managed retreat (College Board AP CED).
- 13
What is the significance of the ocean's pH level?
The ocean's pH level is significant because it affects the health of marine ecosystems; lower pH levels indicate higher acidity, which can harm marine life (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What are some indicators of ocean acidification?
Indicators of ocean acidification include decreasing pH levels, reduced carbonate ion concentrations, and observable impacts on marine organisms (College Board AP CED).
- 15
How often must coastal management plans be updated to address sea level rise?
Coastal management plans should be updated every 5 to 10 years to reflect new data and changing conditions related to sea level rise (College Board AP CED).
- 16
What is the role of carbon sinks in mitigating ocean acidification?
Carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What is the potential impact of ocean acidification on fish populations?
Ocean acidification can disrupt fish populations by affecting their sensory systems, behavior, and reproductive success, potentially leading to population declines (College Board AP CED).
- 18
What is the maximum expected sea level rise by 2100 according to current projections?
Current projections estimate a maximum sea level rise of up to 1 meter by 2100, depending on greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What are the long-term effects of sea level rise on freshwater resources?
Long-term effects of sea level rise on freshwater resources include saltwater intrusion into aquifers, which can compromise drinking water supplies (College Board AP CED).
- 20
How does sea level rise affect coastal erosion?
Sea level rise exacerbates coastal erosion by increasing wave energy and flooding, leading to greater land loss along coastlines (College Board AP CED).
- 21
What strategies can be employed to reduce the impacts of ocean acidification?
Strategies to reduce impacts of ocean acidification include reducing CO2 emissions, protecting marine ecosystems, and enhancing carbon capture technologies (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What is the relationship between ocean temperature and acidification?
Higher ocean temperatures can exacerbate ocean acidification by increasing CO2 solubility and altering carbonate chemistry (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What are the ecological consequences of rising sea levels for mangrove forests?
Rising sea levels can lead to the inundation of mangrove forests, affecting their ability to provide habitat and coastal protection (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What is the impact of ocean acidification on plankton?
Ocean acidification can harm plankton populations, which are crucial to marine food webs, by affecting their growth and reproduction (College Board AP CED).
- 25
How does sea level rise affect human infrastructure?
Sea level rise threatens human infrastructure by increasing flooding risks, necessitating costly adaptations and modifications to buildings and roads (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What is the role of international agreements in addressing ocean acidification?
International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote collaborative efforts to combat ocean acidification (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What is the significance of carbonate ions in ocean chemistry?
Carbonate ions are crucial for marine organisms that build shells and skeletons; their reduction due to acidification threatens these species (College Board AP CED).
- 28
How does ocean acidification influence the behavior of marine species?
Ocean acidification can alter the behavior of marine species, affecting predator-prey interactions and habitat selection (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What is the expected trend in ocean acidity over the next century?
Ocean acidity is expected to increase significantly over the next century due to continued CO2 emissions and climate change (College Board AP CED).
- 30
What are some adaptation measures for fisheries affected by ocean acidification?
Adaptation measures for fisheries include adjusting catch limits, enhancing habitat protection, and developing aquaculture practices that are resilient to acidification (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What is the impact of sea level rise on biodiversity in coastal areas?
Sea level rise can lead to habitat loss, altering ecosystems and threatening the biodiversity of coastal areas (College Board AP CED).
- 32
How does ocean acidification affect the food web?
Ocean acidification can disrupt the food web by impacting primary producers like phytoplankton, which are foundational to marine ecosystems (College Board AP CED).
- 33
What is the role of education in addressing sea level rise and ocean acidification?
Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting actions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of sea level rise and ocean acidification (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What is the significance of monitoring ocean pH levels?
Monitoring ocean pH levels is significant for understanding the extent of ocean acidification and its impacts on marine ecosystems (College Board AP CED).
- 35
How can restoration of coastal habitats help mitigate sea level rise impacts?
Restoration of coastal habitats, such as wetlands and mangroves, can enhance resilience to sea level rise by providing natural barriers and improving water quality (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What are the implications of sea level rise for global food security?
Sea level rise can threaten global food security by impacting agricultural land, freshwater resources, and fisheries (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What are some potential technological solutions to ocean acidification?
Potential technological solutions to ocean acidification include carbon capture and storage, as well as developing more resilient marine species through selective breeding (College Board AP CED).
- 38
How does ocean acidification affect the carbonate chemistry of seawater?
Ocean acidification decreases the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater, which is essential for calcifying organisms (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What is the relationship between sea level rise and climate refugees?
Sea level rise can lead to the displacement of populations, creating climate refugees who are forced to leave their homes due to flooding and loss of land (College Board AP CED).
- 40
What is the potential long-term effect of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems?
The potential long-term effect of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems includes shifts in species composition and declines in biodiversity (College Board AP CED).