Children: Oceanography
The lysocline is a term used in oceanography to describe the depth in the ocean at which the rate of dissolution of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) increases significantly. Below this depth, calcium carbonate begins to dissolve more rapidly compared to the levels above the lysocline, primarily due to changes in pressure, temperature, and acidity of the water. The lysocline is important in understanding the carbon cycle and marine sedimentation.
The Major Baltic Inflow (MBI) refers to significant inflows of relatively salty and oxygen-rich water from the North Sea into the Baltic Sea. This phenomenon occurs when conditions are favorable, such as during periods of strong winds or specific meteorological situations that lead to higher sea levels in the North Sea compared to the Baltic Sea.
The Malaspina Expedition 2010 was an ambitious scientific research project that aimed to study the ocean and its ecosystems. It was named after the Spanish explorer Alessandro Malaspina, who conducted a significant scientific expedition in the late 18th century. The modern Malaspina Expedition took place from December 2010 to March 2011, and it involved a research cruise that traveled across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, covering significant portions of the world's oceans.
Malpelo Ridge is an underwater mountain range located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, near the coast of Colombia. It is situated southwest of the Malpelo Island and is part of the larger structure known as the Nazca Plate. The ridge extends along a north-south orientation and is characterized by a series of volcanic and geological features. The Malpelo Ridge is geologically significant due to its association with tectonic activity and the interactions between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate.
Manganese nodules are round, mineral-rich deposits that form on the ocean floor, primarily composed of manganese and iron oxides, along with small amounts of other metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. They typically have a hard, nodular texture and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) is an initiative aimed at facilitating the management, sharing, and accessibility of marine data in the United Kingdom. MEDIN seeks to promote the integration of diverse types of marine data and ensure that such information is available to stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and the public. Key objectives of MEDIN include: 1. **Data Management**: Establishing best practices for the collection, storage, and dissemination of marine environmental data.
The Marine Science Co-ordination Committee (MSCC) is a body typically established to promote collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders involved in marine science and research. While specific details and functions can vary by country or region, the MSCC generally aims to: 1. Facilitate the exchange of information and resources among marine science institutions, researchers, and governmental organizations. 2. Promote the sustainable management and conservation of marine environments. 3. Coordinate marine research activities to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of marine technology and promoting collaboration among professionals in the marine community. Founded in 1966, MTS aims to foster the development of innovative technologies and practices that enhance the understanding and exploration of ocean and coastal environments. The society brings together engineers, scientists, educators, and industry leaders to share knowledge, research, and advancements in marine technology.
Marine clay is a type of clay that is found in marine environments, typically accumulating in areas such as estuaries, coastal lagoons, and ocean beds. It is primarily composed of fine particles that have been transported and deposited by water. Marine clay often contains a mixture of minerals, organic materials, and sediments from both land and sea, resulting in a heterogeneous composition.
Marine geology is a subfield of geology that focuses on the study of geological processes and the features of the ocean floor, coastal areas, and oceanic sediments. It involves understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the seafloor and the interactions between geological and oceanographic phenomena.
Marine habitat refers to the natural environment found in oceans, seas, and other bodies of saltwater. These habitats are home to a diverse array of organisms, including fish, marine mammals, invertebrates, plants, and microorganisms. Marine habitats can vary widely in their physical and chemical characteristics, depth, temperature, and light availability, leading to distinct ecological communities.
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a designated region of the ocean or coastal waters where human activities are managed and regulated to achieve specific conservation objectives. The goals of MPAs typically include protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems, and supporting the sustainability of marine resources. MPAs can vary widely in terms of the level of protection they offer, ranging from areas with strict protections that prohibit all extractive activities to more flexible zones where certain sustainable activities, such as fishing or tourism, may be allowed.
Marine resources refer to various biological, mineral, and energy resources found in oceans and other marine environments. These resources can be classified into two primary categories: renewable and non-renewable resources. ### Renewable Marine Resources 1. **Fisheries**: This includes fish and shellfish that can be harvested sustainably. 2. **Aquaculture**: Cultivating aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and seaweeds, for food and other products.
Marine sediment refers to particles that settle and accumulate on the ocean floor. These sediments originate from various sources, including terrestrial processes (like weathering and erosion of rocks on land), biological activity (such as the remains of marine organisms), and chemical precipitation from seawater. Marine sediments can be classified into several types based on their composition and origin: 1. **Terrigenous Sediments**: These sediments are derived from land-based sources and are primarily composed of mineral particles from rocks and soils.
Marine spatial planning (MSP) is an integrated process that guides the sustainable use and management of marine resources and spaces. It aims to balance ecological, economic, and social objectives by organizing human activities in marine environments. MSP involves the assessment and mapping of ocean spaces to identify suitable areas for various uses, such as fishing, shipping, tourism, conservation, and renewable energy development, while minimizing conflicts and environmental impacts.
Marine technology refers to the integrated use of scientific and engineering principles to develop equipment, systems, and processes for the exploration, utilization, and preservation of marine environments. This field encompasses a wide range of applications, including but not limited to: 1. **Marine Engineering**: Design and construction of ships, submarines, and other marine vessels, focusing on aspects like propulsion systems, structural integrity, and safety.
Maritime geography is a subfield of geography that focuses on the study of oceans, seas, and coastal areas, as well as the relationship between human activities and maritime environments. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including: 1. **Physical Geography**: Analysis of marine environments, including ocean currents, tides, marine ecosystems, and coastal landforms. 2. **Human Geography**: Examination of human interactions with maritime spaces, such as shipping routes, trade networks, fisheries, and tourism.
Maritime sociology is a specialized field of study that examines the social aspects, structures, and issues related to maritime communities, industries, and activities. This discipline combines elements of sociology with maritime studies to explore the interactions between society and the marine environment. Key areas of focus in maritime sociology include: 1. **Community Dynamics**: Investigating the social structures, norms, and relationships within coastal and maritime communities. This includes the study of fishermen communities, port workers, and other stakeholders involved in maritime industries.
The Martin curve, named after mathematician J. L. Martin, is a concept from set theory that involves the relationships between various sizes of cardinalities, particularly in the context of the continuum hypothesis and large cardinals. The curve itself is a visual representation in a specific mathematical context, often related to the behavior of certain functions and their continuity. However, in set theory, it often refers to a construction or a result that demonstrates properties about certain sets of real numbers or functions.
Medicine Hat Ocean is likely a reference to a conceptual or symbolic term rather than a physical ocean. Medicine Hat is a city in Alberta, Canada, located in the southern part of the province. The term "ocean" could be used metaphorically to describe a vast body of water, perhaps in artistic, poetic, or environmental contexts.