Chemical oceanography is a branch of oceanography that focuses on the chemical composition and processes of seawater and how these interact with marine organisms, the atmosphere, and geological processes. It involves the study of a wide range of chemical substances found in the ocean, including: 1. **Salinity and Major Ions**: The concentrations of major ions (such as sodium, chloride, sulfate, magnesium, and calcium) that determine the salinity of seawater.
Anoxic events refer to periods in which specific waters, regions, or environments become depleted of oxygen, leading to severe conditions for aquatic life and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival. "Anoxic" specifically means lacking oxygen (from the Greek "an-" meaning "without" and "oxia" meaning "oxygen").
Alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of water to resist changes in pH, which reflects its ability to neutralize acids. It represents the presence of alkaline substances in water, primarily bicarbonates (HCO3-), carbonates (CO32-), and hydroxides (OH-). High alkalinity indicates a greater capacity of the water to buffer against pH changes, which is important for maintaining ecosystem health, particularly in freshwater systems and aquaculture.
Anoxic waters refer to bodies of water that are depleted of dissolved oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most aquatic life. When water becomes anoxic, it typically means that the oxygen concentration has dropped to levels below 0.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This can occur in various environments, such as deep ocean waters, sediment layers, and in certain freshwater bodies.
Biogeochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions between biological, geological, and chemical processes in natural environments. It focuses on how living organisms (such as plants, animals, and microorganisms) influence and are influenced by the chemical and physical properties of the earth's systems, including soil, water, and air.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measure of the amount of organic compounds in water or wastewater that can be oxidized by a strong chemical oxidant. It is an important parameter used to evaluate water quality, particularly in the context of wastewater and effluent treatment. COD is expressed in units of milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample (mg O₂/L).
Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) refers to a subset of dissolved organic matter in water that is colored, typically due to the presence of various organic compounds, including humic and fulvic acids. CDOM is characterized by its ability to absorb and scatter light, giving it a distinctive color, which can vary from yellow to brown, depending on its concentration and the specific composition of the organic matter.
Cyclic salts are a type of chemical compound that contain a cyclic structure and possess ionic properties. These compounds can form when specific anions and cations associate in a cyclic arrangement, often leading to unique properties in comparison to non-cyclic salts. For example, in organic chemistry, cyclic salts can refer to compounds that have a cyclic cation or anion, such as certain types of ammonium salts derived from cyclic amines or cyclic ethers.
In ecology, a "dead zone" refers to an area in a body of water where the oxygen levels are so low that most marine life cannot survive. These areas are also known as hypoxic zones, and they can occur in oceans, estuaries, and other bodies of water. Dead zones often result from nutrient pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients enter the water, they can lead to excessive growth of algae, a process known as algal bloom.
Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) refers to the total concentration of inorganic carbon species present in water. It primarily includes carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonic acid (H2CO3), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and carbonate (CO3^2-). DIC is a crucial component of the carbon cycle and plays a significant role in regulating the acidity (pH) of natural waters, including oceans and freshwater systems.
Elizabeth Kujawinski is a prominent oceanographer known for her research in marine chemistry and environmental science. She focuses on understanding the biogeochemical processes in ocean systems and how they relate to climate change and ecosystem health. Her work often involves studying organic matter in the ocean and its implications for carbon cycling and marine life.
Free Ocean CO2 Enrichment (FOCE) refers to experimental setups designed to understand the effects of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on marine environments, particularly on ecosystems such as coral reefs and other marine organisms. These experiments aim to simulate future ocean conditions anticipated due to climate change, particularly the process of ocean acidification, which occurs when excess CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, leading to lower pH levels.
GEOTRACES is an international research program aimed at understanding the trace elements and isotopes in the ocean and their roles in marine biogeochemistry. Launched in 2004, the program focuses on the distribution and cycling of trace elements such as metals and nutrients, which are essential for marine organisms and ecological processes but are often present in very low concentrations.
The Great Calcite Belt refers to a significant geological feature characterized by the presence of extensive deposits of calcite, a mineral composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This belt is typically associated with regions where limestone and other sedimentary rocks are prevalent. One prominent example of a region often described in relation to the Great Calcite Belt is the geological formations found in the United States, particularly in areas like the Great Lakes region and parts of the Midwest.
Hydrogen isotope biogeochemistry is the study of the distribution and cycling of hydrogen isotopes (primarily protium, ^1H, and deuterium, ^2H) within biological and geological systems. This field examines how hydrogen isotopes are incorporated into and exchanged between various components of the environment, including water, organic matter, and gases, and how these processes relate to biological activity, climate, and geological processes.
Hypoxia, in an environmental context, refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in a particular area, typically in aquatic environments such as oceans, lakes, or rivers. This can lead to significant ecological impacts, affecting the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms that rely on dissolved oxygen for respiration.
Hypoxia in fish refers to a condition where there is a deficiency of oxygen in the water, which can lead to stress, illness, or death in aquatic organisms. Normal oxygen levels in freshwater and saltwater environments typically range from about 5 to 14 mg/L, depending on various factors like temperature and salinity. When the oxygen levels drop below this range, it can cause hypoxic conditions.
A lipid pump generally refers to mechanisms or systems in biological contexts that transport lipids across membranes or within cells. While the term can be used in various scientific fields, it is notably associated with the transport of lipids and fatty acids in cellular processes. In some contexts, lipid pumps can involve: 1. **Molecular Machines:** Proteins that function to actively transport lipids against a concentration gradient, using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis or other energy sources.
Marine Chemistry is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on the field of marine chemistry, encompassing the chemical composition, processes, and interactions occurring in marine environments. It publishes original research articles, reviews, and shorter communications related to various aspects of marine chemistry, including but not limited to: - The study of seawater chemistry and its components, such as nutrients, trace metals, and organic compounds. - Chemical processes related to biological, geological, and physical interactions in marine ecosystems.
Marine chemistry is the study of the chemical composition and properties of ocean waters, marine sediments, and the chemical processes that occur in marine environments. It encompasses a range of topics, including: 1. **Composition of Seawater**: Analyzing the salts, nutrients (like nitrates and phosphates), gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide), and other dissolved substances present in seawater.
A nutrient is a substance that provides the essential elements necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of an organism. Nutrients can be classified into several categories, primarily: 1. **Macronutrients**: These are needed in larger quantities and provide the energy necessary for various bodily functions. They include: - **Carbohydrates**: The body's primary energy source. - **Proteins**: Essential for building and repairing tissues.
The oceanic carbon cycle refers to the movement and transformation of carbon in and out of the ocean, playing a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and helping regulate Earth's climate. Here's an overview of its components and processes: 1. **Carbon Dioxide Absorption**: Oceans absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This process occurs at the ocean's surface, where gas exchange takes place due to differences in concentration.
An "oligosaprobe" is a term often used in microbiology and ecology to describe a specific type of organism that requires very low concentrations of organic matter to thrive. Oligosaprobic organisms typically inhabit environments with low levels of pollution and organic enrichment, such as clean streams and lakes. These organisms are contrasted with "eutrophic" organisms, which are adapted to environments rich in nutrients and organic material.
The oxygen cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of oxygen within its three main reservoirs: the atmosphere, the biosphere (living organisms), and the lithosphere (earth's crust and deep earth). It is crucial for maintaining life on Earth, as oxygen is essential for respiration in many organisms and plays a critical role in various ecological processes.
Particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) refers to the fraction of inorganic carbon that is present in solid particulate form in aquatic environments. This component mainly consists of carbonates, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which are commonly produced by biological processes (e.g., from marine organisms like mollusks and corals) and geological processes (e.g., sedimentation and weathering of rocks).
Particulate organic matter (POM) refers to organic particles that are suspended in water, soil, or air, and are made up of various forms of organic material, including decomposing plant and animal matter, microorganisms, and other organic compounds. POM is an important component of the ecosystem as it plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil structure, aquatic ecosystems, and carbon storage.
Sea salt is a type of salt that is produced by evaporating seawater. It is primarily composed of sodium chloride, like table salt, but may also contain trace minerals and elements that can impart different flavors and colors, depending on the source of the seawater and the processing methods used. Sea salt can come in various textures and grain sizes, from fine to coarse, and is often used in cooking and as a finishing salt.
Sea salt aerosol refers to tiny particles or droplets that originate from the ocean and are composed primarily of salt, mainly sodium chloride (NaCl), along with a mix of other compounds such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium salts. These aerosols are created through various processes, primarily the breaking of ocean waves which generates bubbles that burst at the surface, releasing salt particles into the atmosphere. Sea salt aerosols play a significant role in the Earth's climate and atmospheric chemistry.
Sel gris, which translates to "gray salt" in French, is a type of sea salt that is harvested from salt marshes, particularly in the region of Guérande in France. It is known for its distinctive gray color, which comes from the clay found in the salt flats where the salt is collected. This salt is unrefined and retains a certain amount of moisture and minerals, giving it a unique flavor and texture compared to more processed salts.
The solubility pump is a key mechanism in the ocean's biological carbon pump, which plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and the regulation of Earth's climate. It refers to the process by which dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the ocean and is then transported to deeper waters due to physical and biological processes.
Total boron typically refers to the total concentration of boron present in a sample, which can include various forms such as boric acid, borate, and other boron compounds. In environmental science, chemistry, and geological studies, measuring total boron is important for understanding its presence and effects in ecosystems, water sources, and soil.
Total inorganic carbon (TIC) refers to the sum of all inorganic carbon species present in a given sample. It typically includes: 1. **Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)**: This is a gas dissolved in water that is crucial for aquatic ecosystems and plays a significant role in the carbon cycle.
The Urey–Bigeleisen–Mayer equation is a formula used in physical chemistry and isotopic chemistry to relate the equilibrium constants of chemical reactions involving isotopes to the differences in their vibrational energies. It provides a way to understand and quantify the isotopic effects that occur in chemical reactions, particularly the fractionation of isotopes. This equation is particularly useful in studying the behavior of molecules containing different isotopes of elements, such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.
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