Marine Science - AICE Level AS

Life on Earth Started in the Sea

In this brief lesson, we'll discuss the beginnings of life on Earth and the history of marine science.

The Earth's Oceans

This lesson actually comes from the content in 5.1 - The Open Ocean. We will revisit this topic when discussing the various ocean ecosystems, but it also serves as a valuable jumping off point for the discussion of marine science in general.

1.0 Properties of Water - Introduction

In this unit, we will discuss the many properties of water, particularly ocean water, and how its chemical makeup provides the substrate for all marine ecosystems.

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 Water 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.

5.1 The Open Ocean

This lesson reviews some of the material from our introductory unit with added details.

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.