Oceanography Discussion Short Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Oceanography Discussion Short - Essay Example The pH of the ocean does not change much because ocean water acts as an acid-base buffer. When acidic substances are added to seawater, they result in increased H+ ions. These ions react with bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) in seawater, yielding carbonic acid (H2CO3), which further dissociates into CO2 and H2O. Thus, the pH does not change on addition of acid because neutral products are formed. Similarly, when basic (alkaline) substances are added to seawater, the bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) dissociate into CO32- and H+. The production of H+ ions thus neutralizes the OH- ions of the base and pH remains constant. The bicarbonate ions in oceans are produced as a result of volcanic eruptions and burning of fossil fuels that add carbonic acid to the seawater (Desonie 19). Goiter is a disorder in which the thyroid gland or any one of its two lobes enlarges and appears as a swelling in the front region of the neck. It results from hypothyroidism, i.e. inadequate production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. This disorder results from iodine deficiency. Iodine is the precursor of thyroid hormones and its deficiency leads to their inadequate synthesis, thereby inducing the production of thyroid stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland. This hormone causes the enlargement of the thyroid, resulting in goiter. Goiter can be prevented by incorporating trace amounts of iodine in the diet. All products originating from seawater are good sources of iodine, as seawater contains dissolved iodine (Trujillo and Thurman 141). Consumption of natural sources of iodine such as seafood, fishes, sea vegetables, etc that originate in seawater are helpful for the prevention of goiter. Although both temperature and sea water affect the density of oceans, only salinity has a major influence on the density of the Polar Ocean. This is because of the extremely low temperatures at the poles. The temperature of the