Consider the following statements regarding Ocean deoxygenation. Ocean...
Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Ocean deoxygenation is the expansion of oxygen minimum zones in the world’s oceans as a consequence of anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide. The change has been fairly rapid and poses a threat to fish and other types of marine life, as well as to people who depend on marine life for nutrition or livelihood.
- Ocean deoxygenation poses implications for ocean productivity, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, and marine habitats.
- Most of the excess heat from CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the oceans. Warmer oceans cause deoxygenation both because oxygen is less soluble in warmer water, and through temperature driven stratification of the ocean which inhibits the production of oxygen from photosynthesis.
- Anoxic waters are areas of sea water, fresh water, or groundwater that are depleted of dissolved oxygen and are a more severe condition of hypoxia.
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Consider the following statements regarding Ocean deoxygenation. Ocean...
Explanation:
Ocean deoxygenation is a significant environmental issue that is primarily caused by human activities. Let's break down the given statements to determine their accuracy:
Statement 1: Ocean deoxygenation is the maximum reduction of oxygen minimum zones in the world’s oceans as a consequence of anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide.
- This statement is partially correct. Ocean deoxygenation refers to the reduction of oxygen levels in the ocean, particularly in areas known as oxygen minimum zones. These zones are expanding due to anthropogenic activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, it is not accurate to say that ocean deoxygenation is the "maximum reduction" of these zones. The key point here is that human activities are contributing to the decrease in oxygen levels in the ocean.
Statement 2: The areas of seawater that are depleted of dissolved oxygen are called anoxic waters.
- This statement is correct. Anoxic waters are areas in the ocean where oxygen levels are extremely low or completely absent. These conditions can lead to the formation of "dead zones" where marine life struggles to survive due to the lack of oxygen.
Statement 3: Oxygen is less soluble in warmer water.
- This statement is also accurate. As water temperatures increase, the solubility of oxygen decreases. This phenomenon is known as the oxygen solubility-temperature relationship and is a crucial factor contributing to ocean deoxygenation.
In conclusion, only Statement 2 and Statement 3 are correct. Ocean deoxygenation is a complex issue influenced by various factors, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing this environmental challenge.