Word Match Game: Learn Oceanography Vocabulary

Play the Word Match game to learn the vocabulary words from our Oceanography list.

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Instructions

  • Match the words with their definitions by clicking on them.
  • You have a limited number of matches, so use them wisely.
  • Click the tab below to see a list of all the words and definitions if you need help.

vocabulary list

WordDefinition
PlanktonPlankton are microscopic organisms that drift or swim in the ocean, including phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals).
PhytoplanktonPhytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that drift in ocean water, forming the base of the marine food chain.
ZooplanktonZooplankton are small, often microscopic, animal organisms that drift in the ocean, serving as a vital food source for marine life.
Marine biologyMarine biology is the scientific study of organisms that live in the ocean, including their behavior, physiology, and ecological interactions.
Ocean currentsOcean currents are continuous, directed movements of ocean water caused by a combination of wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation.
Biogeochemical cyclesBiogeochemical cycles are the pathways through which nutrients are exchanged between living organisms, the atmosphere, and the environment.
Primary productionPrimary production refers to the process by which organisms, such as phytoplankton, convert sunlight into organic compounds through photosynthesis.
Marine ecosystemsMarine ecosystems refer to the interconnected web of organisms and their physical environment in the ocean, including coral reefs and kelp forests.
SalinitySalinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in seawater, typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or practical salinity units (psu).
NutrientsNutrients are essential chemicals, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that marine organisms need for growth and metabolism in ocean ecosystems.
PhytoplanktonPhytoplankton are microscopic marine organisms that obtain energy through photosynthesis, playing a crucial role in marine food webs.
Dissolved oxygenDissolved oxygen refers to the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in seawater, essential for the survival of marine organisms.
pHpH in Chemical Oceanography refers to the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of seawater on a scale of 0-14.
Trace metalsTrace metals in Chemical Oceanography refer to metals present in seawater at very low concentrations, typically below 1 µg/L.
Carbon cycleThe carbon cycle in chemical oceanography involves the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere, ocean, and marine organisms.
Thermohaline circulationThermohaline circulation refers to the large-scale movement of ocean water driven by differences in temperature and salinity.
Ekman transportEkman transport refers to the net movement of surface water in the ocean caused by wind stress acting on the water.
UpwellingUpwelling is the phenomenon in which cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean rises to the surface, supporting marine life.
Sea surface temperatureSea surface temperature refers to the temperature of the top layer of the ocean, typically measured using satellites or buoys.
Ocean currentsOcean currents are continuous movements of seawater driven by various factors such as winds, temperature, and salinity gradients.
SalinitySalinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in seawater, measured in parts per thousand, influencing the water's density.
DensityDensity in physical oceanography refers to the mass of seawater per unit volume, affected by temperature, salinity, and pressure.
Coriolis effectThe Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, due to the Earth's rotation.
SeafloorThe seafloor refers to the bottom of the ocean, which includes various geological features such as ridges, trenches, and abyssal plains.
Plate tectonicsPlate tectonics is the scientific theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into rigid plates that move and interact with each other.
Submarine volcanoesSubmarine volcanoes are underwater vents or fissures in the Earth's crust where molten rock and gases are discharged.
SedimentationSedimentation is the process of particles settling to the bottom of a body of water, often forming layers over time.
SeamountsSeamounts are underwater mountains that rise from the ocean floor but do not reach the water's surface.
Mid-ocean ridgesMid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges where tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust.
Continental shelfThe continental shelf is the shallow, submerged extension of a continent, typically extending from the shoreline to the continental slope.
Oceanic crustOceanic crust is the outermost layer of Earth's oceanic lithosphere, composed mainly of basaltic rock formed at mid-ocean ridges.
biodiversityBiodiversity in marine ecology refers to the variety of species and ecosystems present in the ocean environment.
ecosystemAn ecosystem in marine ecology refers to a community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
coral reefA coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem formed by the accumulation of coral skeletons and inhabited by various marine species.
planktonPlankton are small organisms that drift or swim in the ocean, serving as a crucial food source for many marine animals.
marine conservationMarine conservation refers to the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems, species, and habitats to ensure their long-term sustainability.
ocean acidificationOcean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH levels of the Earth's oceans caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
marine protected areasMarine protected areas are designated oceanic zones where human activities are restricted to conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
coral reefsCoral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called corals, providing habitat for numerous marine species.
overfishingOverfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to depletion of fish stocks.
marine pollutionMarine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the ocean, damaging marine ecosystems and endangering marine life.
sustainable fishingSustainable fishing refers to fishing practices that ensure the long-term health and viability of fish populations and marine ecosystems.
marine biodiversityMarine biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within marine ecosystems, including species, genetic diversity, and habitats.
marine ecosystemsMarine ecosystems refer to the interconnected marine organisms and their physical environment, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and open ocean habitats.
marine conservation effortsMarine conservation efforts refer to actions taken to protect and preserve marine ecosystems and species from human impact and degradation.
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