ConcepTest: Ocean Element Profiles - 1

Jenny Fisher, University of Wollongong Australia, jennyf AT uow DOT edu DOT au
Questions used in MARE200 Introduction to Oceanography (2nd year undergraduate).
Initial Publication Date: June 9, 2015

Question:

Which element could have a depth profile in the ocean that looks like this?


A. Oxygen, an element produced during photosynthesis
B. Barium, an element required in trace amounts for micro-organisms
C. Nitrogen, a nutrient required by all phytoplankton

Student Responses:

If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the author.

No data yet. The correct response is C. This is a typical nutrient-type profile showing surface depletion and deep regeneration from remineralisation.

References and Notes:

Sarmiento, J.L. & N. Gruber (2006) Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 528 pp.

The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.

McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.

McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.