AICE Marine Science Physical Oceanography Project
You will create and present the following information on a poster. Include at least 2 diagrams, sources on the back, & write everything in your own words! Also, the poster must be partially 3-D and interactive. Sign up for one of the following topics:
1. El Niño
A. Basic description/definition of ENSO
B. Explain the cause of El Niño
C. How often does it occur?
D. Describe the effects on climate & organisms in the Pacific Ocean
E. Compare El Niño & La Niña
2. Tides
A. Describe how tides are produced
B. Explain how the alignment of the Sun & Moon affect the tides; define Spring & Neap tides
C. Differentiate between semidiurnal, mixed semidiurnal, & diurnal tides. Give a location for each.
D. Explain how coastal geomorphology, wind, air pressure, and the size of the body of water affect the tidal range
E. Describe how some organisms use the tidal patterns as part of their niche (reproduction, foraging behaviors, etc)
3. Coriolis Effect, & Wind
A. Define Coriolis Effect; explain its effects on objects traveling long distances & explain whether it is greater near the poles or equator
B. Explain the uneven heating of Earth & how it produces wind
C. Explain how wind is affected by the Coriolis Effect; name & give the location of the global winds
D. Describe the characteristics of the: doldrums, polar easterlies, westerlies, tradewinds, & horse latitudes
E. Describe the Hadley Cells, Ferrell Cells, & Polar Cells; give their location & explain how they influence global winds
4. Monsoons
A. Explain how weather & climate are influenced by the ocean
B. Explain land and sea breezes
C. Explain seasonal differences in temperature between the Asian continent & the Indian Ocean
D. Compare the seasonal monsoons of Asia and North America
E. Explain how the seasonal differences in temperature (heat capacity of water vs. land) give rise to the patterns of monsoon winds
5. Tropical Cyclones
A. List the 3 names & where those names are used; describe the 5 categories of Hurricanes
B. Explain the role of atmospheric pressure, evaporation, condensation, and latent heat in developing a tropical cyclone
C. Describe where tropical cyclones begin; why don’t they develop AT the equator?
D. Explain their impact on coastal communities (both marine & terrestrial)
E. Differentiate between cyclone movement in the northern and southern hemispheres
6. Currents
A. Compare characteristics of surface & deep currents
B. Compare the eastern & western boundary currents (warm & cold surface currents)
C. Explain thermohaline circulation & explain the climatic importance of all global currents
D. Explain & describe upwelling (include where upwelling occurs & its importance)
E. Explain oceanic gyres
7. Earthquakes
A. Describe what characterizes an earthquake.
B. Describe the plate boundary that creates an earthquake.
C. Explain where on earth are most earthquakes occurring? Give a reason why they are found primarily in these locations.
D. Using a specific example, explain some prevention/ warning methods used to detect an earthquake.
E. Using a specific example, describe the economic, social, and ecological costs of an earthquake.
8. Tsunamis
A. Describe what characterizes a tsunami.
B. Describe the (different) plate boundary that creates a tsunami.
C. Explain where on earth are most tsunamis occurring? Give a reason why they are found primarily in these locations.
D. Using a specific example, explain some prevention/ warning methods used to detect a tsunami.
E. Using a specific example, describe the economic, social, and ecological costs of a tsunami.
9. Volcanos
A. Describe what characterizes a volcano.
B. Describe the plate boundary that creates a volcano.
C. Explain where on earth are most volcanoes occurring? Give a reason why they are found primarily in these locations.
D. Using a specific example, explain some prevention/ warning methods used to detect a tsunami.
E. Using a specific example, describe the economic, social, and ecological costs of a tsunami.
10. Ocean Trench
A. Describe what characterizes an ocean trench.
B. Describe the plate boundary that creates an ocean trench.
C. Describe the Challenger Deep, giving the importance of their discovery.
D. Find and describe another important ocean trench discovery.
E. Explain the equipment/ technology needed to explore an ocean trench.
11. Mid-Ocean Ridge
A. Describe what characterizes a mid ocean ridge.
B. Describe the plate boundary that creates a mid ocean ridge.
C. Using a specific example, explain the evolution of mid ocean ridges.
D. Explain the biodiversity around a mid ocean ride.
E. Explain the equipment/ technology needed to explore a mid ocean ridge.
12. Rocky Shore
A. How are rocky shores characterized?
B. Describe some rocks that are prominent and their significance in this habitat.
C. Describe erosion and its effects on the rocky shores.
D. Explain biodiversity in these habitats and the adaptations needed for the organisms to survive.
E. Using a specific example, describe the location and main organisms found on a specific rocky shore (location on earth).
13. Sandy Shore/ Muddy Shore
A. How is sandy/ muddy shores characterized?
B. Describe the sedimentation and its significance in this habitat.
C. Describe erosion and its effects on the sandy/muddy shores.
D. Explain biodiversity in these habitats and the adaptations needed for the organisms to survive.
E. Using a specific example, describe the location and main organisms found on a specific sandy/ muddy shore (location on earth).
14. Estuary
A. How are estuaries characterized?
B. Describe the sedimentation and its significance in this habitat.
C. Explain why Estuaries are considered nurseries.
D. Explain biodiversity in these habitats and the adaptations needed for the organisms to survive.
E. Using a specific example, describe the location and main organisms found on a specific estuary (location on earth).