Oceanography Chapter 4 – Study Guide and Exam Review Material
What is calcareous ooze? - correct answer ✔✔a fine-grained, deep ocean sediment containing
the skeletal remains of calcite-secreting microbes
What is the calcite compensation depth, or CCD? - correct answer ✔✔the ocean depth below
which calcite is unstable and will dissolve quickly
What three steps are required for calcareous ooze to exist below the CCD? - correct answer
✔✔deposition of calcite shells above the CCD, cover of these shells by a non-calcareous
material, and movement of the sea floor over millions of years
What would happen if the depth of the ccd were above the top of the mid ocean ridge? -
correct answer ✔✔Calcareous ooze would not be found below the CCD.
Sediments derived from the remains of once living organisms are called - correct answer
✔✔Biogenous sediments
Two common types of chemical compounds found in biogenous sediments are - correct answer
✔✔Calcium carbonate and silica
The two major types of microscopic planktonic organisms that produce siliceous oozes are -
correct answer ✔✔Diatoms and radiolarians
How does siliceous ooze accumulate on the seafloor if silica-based residues are dissolved slowly
at all depths? - correct answer ✔✔Silica tests accumulate faster than seawater can dissolve
them.
What is calcareous ooze? - correct answer ✔✔a fine-grained, deep ocean sediment containing
the skeletal remains of calcite-secreting microbes
What is the calcite compensation depth, or CCD? - correct answer ✔✔the ocean depth below
which calcite is unstable and will dissolve quickly
What three steps are required for calcareous ooze to exist below the CCD? - correct answer
✔✔deposition of calcite shells above the CCD, cover of these shells by a non-calcareous
material, and movement of the sea floor over millions of years
What would happen if the depth of the ccd were above the top of the mid ocean ridge? -
correct answer ✔✔Calcareous ooze would not be found below the CCD.
Sediments derived from the remains of once living organisms are called - correct answer
✔✔Biogenous sediments
Two common types of chemical compounds found in biogenous sediments are - correct answer
✔✔Calcium carbonate and silica
The two major types of microscopic planktonic organisms that produce siliceous oozes are -
correct answer ✔✔Diatoms and radiolarians
How does siliceous ooze accumulate on the seafloor if silica-based residues are dissolved slowly
at all depths? - correct answer ✔✔Silica tests accumulate faster than seawater can dissolve
them.
