Most Important Characteristics of Marine Microbes
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How Were Earth’s Atmosphere and Oceans Created
The creation of Earth’s atmosphere is related to the creation of the oceans. Both are direct result of density stratification. Origin of Earth’s Atmosphere Earth’s initial atmosphere consisted of leftover gases from the nebula. But those particles were blown out to space by the Sun’s solar wind. Then, a second atmosphere was most likely expelled from inside Earth by a process called outgassing . During the period of density stratification, the lowest-density material contained within Earth was composed of various gases. These gases rose to the surface and were expelled to form Earth’s early atmosphere. Gases are believed to have been similar to the gases emitted from volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs today: mostly water vapor (steam), with small amount of CO 2, Hydrogen, and other gases. The composition of the atmosphere changed over time because of the influence of life. Origin of Earth’s Oceans Origin of oceans directly linked to the origin of the at...
Important Tools of the Trade in Marine Biology
Remote sensing – satellites are used to view large expanses of ocean at the ocean’s surface only. Sonar – used to map seafloor depths and formations. Scuba – used for direct human exploration of oceanic environment for longer periods and at deeper depths than would otherwise be available to man. Remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s) – allows for direct exploration of marine environment when scuba is not an option; these ROV’s can be manned (such as Alvin mentioned in chapter 1 readings) or unmanned. Research vessels – these floating laboratories allow oceanographers and marine biologists to explore the marine environments for weeks, months or even years without returning to a land-based facility. Underwater Research Station - Aquarius – underwater research and residential facility located in the Florida Keys. This underwater lab is located approx. 60 feet underwater and allows researchers to stay at this depth for days or weeks without surfacing (...
Chemical and Physical Features of Seawater and the World Ocean
Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space. So, everything you have ever seen or touched on earth is matter (including you!) All matter is composed of elements of different types. Each of the elements naturally occurs as small units known as atoms. Atoms can be found solo (such as atoms of helium) or atoms can bound to other atoms in molecules. Molecules are the result of two or more atoms bonded chemically. One molecule that everyone on the planet has encountered is H20. You should recognize this as a chemical description of water. In the water molecule, there are two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen bonded chemically together. Unique Nature of Water Water molecules are unique in many ways. First of all, each water molecule has slight positive and negative electrical charges. The positive charges are near the hydrogen atoms and the negative charges exist around the oxygen atom. Due to these slight electrical charges, water molecules are attracted to o...