Marine Science - AICE Level AS

1.1 Particle Theory and Bonding

An understanding of particle theory, including the structure of atoms and ions, and how they bond together to form compounds, helps to explain the properties of water and other substances important to marine life.

1.2 Solubility in Water

Sea water is a solution made up of many different solutes dissolved in water. Various environmental factors affect the solubility of salts and gases in sea water. Hydrogen ion concentration is particularly important, as this affects pH

1.3 Density and Pressure

Density is a measure of the mass of a defined volume of water, and is affected by temperature, pressure and salinity. Density differences help to maintain temperature and salinity gradients in the oceans, which affect the distribution of organisms.

5.2 Tropical Coral Reefs

Tropical coral reefs are built by tiny coral polyps, which live in close association with photosynthetic zooxanthellae and are therefore limited in their distribution to areas where abundant light is available and temperatures are warm.