What is meant by the mixing time of the ocean?
The ocean, as a vast body of water, is mixed by the constant action of winds and currents, which in turn mix all of the ocean's dissolved constituents. If constituent minerals remain in the ocean water for long periods of time, they will become evenly distributed throughout the ocean. The mixing time of the ocean is about 1,600 years, so all elements with a residence time longer than this (the "major" constituents) will disperse throughout the ocean. At this rate, the ocean has been mixed hundreds of thousands of times. The result of this long-term thorough mixing is the basis for the principle of constant proportions.
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Regional analysis involves:
A) studying the sameness of regions. B) studying the distinctiveness of regions. C) identifying environmental determinism. D) all of the above. E) none of the above.
Which of the following drainage patterns forms on highly fractured bedrock?
A. trellis B. radial C. dendritic D. rectangular
Why is methane gas the least abundant gas in magmas?
A) Methane is only found deep within the earth. B) Methane is repelled by heat. C) Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and odorous sulfur compounds are the primary gases. D) Methane turns to liquid in the presence of magma.
In what environment will the plant and animal remains necessary to generate oil accumulate?
A) Desert B) Swamp C) Stream D) Ocean