Florida International University
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Marine Chemistry CHS-4600
Spring 2011
TAKE HOME FINAL DUE 4/28/2011 at class time (leave with Ms. Valerie Hall at
MSB350). You could also scan the test and e-mail it back to me.
Each question is worth 20 points.
The global balance of earth’s oceans is controlled by two major processes, circulation and water chemistry. I am asking that you provide a well tough summary/review of these two processes in the following questions. You need to show sources, processes, links and examples on how oceanographers have created evidence to support your explanations. This is an open book test so you have to be as detailed as possible. Use graphs and references if needed.
1.
Describe the two major components driving ocean circulation. Please provide a graph of the circulation patterns, sources, sinks and upwelling areas and name all major ocean currents. Please talk about water “age” and how to determine it.
2.
Give a full description of the carbonate system and the carbon cycle of the ocean. Don’t forget sources, sinks, transports and the atmospheric component. Relate them to productivity, DOM, ocean pH, etc. Make sure that you include the microbial loop as well.
We also discussed two large problems related to the human impacts into the global sustainability of the oceans. (Three papers discussed in class) now is your turn to put all that together and tell the story as if you were to explain it to your classmates.
3.
How are humans changing the balance of ocean chemistry through the increased emissions of carbon dioxide?
Provide evidence, talk about equilibrium at the air-water interface, ocean acidification, etc. What are the changes that we will observe?
4.
Humans also contribute excess nutrients (N and P) to the otherwise balanced natural systems. How is that affecting ocean chemistry, biology and circulation? Show examples; talk about DOM creation and mineralization and
AOU.
For this one you may have to do some research.
5. People are scared about radioactive materials being distributed on a “global” scale after the Japan tsunami. Could you please tell me what will be the worst-case

scenario? What will we see (what isotopes)? Where (air, water, food)? How long do we expect to see them? What areas of the planet will be more likely affected?