(02.06 LC) Which of the following best describes the nitrogen cycle? (3 points)

(02.01 HC) A scientist measured the distance between fixed points on two different plates over the course of a decade and found that the distance did not change. Does this result support the theory of plate tectonics? Why or why not? (3 points)

(03.05 LC) Sarah decides to monitor the tides at her local beach. She reads tide charts and creates the graph below. What type of tide occurs at the local beach? (3 points) © 2016 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

(01.03 HC) Based on your knowledge of ocean chemistry, predict the feeding mode and size of organisms found in the deep layers of the ocean, and select the best explanation. (3 points)

(03.05 MC) The moon and sun both have an effect on the ocean’s tides. Which type of tide would most affect the abundance of aquatic organisms in a marine ecosystem and why? (3 points)

(02.03 LC) What type of severe weather would most likely decrease coral reef biodiversity by damaging coral skeletons and polyps? (3 points)

(02.05 LC) As global warming continues, the oceans absorb more of the Earth’s heat. What term describes the ocean as a storage location for this heat? (3 points)

(03.05 MC) Winds that cause ocean currents can be affected by the Coriolis effect, resulting in upwelling currents. How would an upwelling current increase the abundance of aquatic organisms? (3 points)

(03.02 MC) Marine scientists have collected data showing that oceans have become warmer in recent years. This increase in temperature would reflect an increase in thermal energy stored in the ocean. If true, would this validate or invalidate the Law of Conservation of Energy? (3 points)

(02.02 MC) Which idea best describes why the volume of water in Earth’s oceans changes? (3 points)