JavaScriptKit.com Multiple Choice Quiz Script

Would you like the chance to try and interpret a set of lander data? If so, try this quiz...!

A lander has been deployed for one year at the location on the map below, equipped with a SEDIMENT TRAP, ADCP and THERMOMETER.Additionally, a research vessel visited the location each month throughout the year and collected surface ALGAE and ZOOPLANKTON samples and surface temperature readings.

The figures below show the results from the various measurements taken throughout the year.

Sediment trap samples were analysed for composition, with weights of fresh organic material and lithogenic (stony or sandy) material being determined.

The surface algae and zooplankton populations were assessed relatively, with high concentrations noted in months where populations were high, and low concentrations when populations were low.

The five figures below show the data produced by the lander and surface sampling.

Follow the various hyperlinks above or search the ESONET site for further hints.

1) Are there seasonal changes evident in any of the figures?

a) No, the data show no seasonal changes.
b) There is a seasonal change in flow direction.
c) There is a strong seasonal change in surface temperature.
d) There is a strong seasonal change in bottom water temperature.

2) Why is the bottom water flow speed greater at some times of the year than at others?

a) Because the temperature of the surface waters is different throughout the year.
b) Because there was a problem with the instrument.
c) Because storms are more common at certain times of the year.
d) Because the temperature of the bottom waters varies throughout the year.

3) Why is there more lithogenic material entering the sediment trap at certain times of the year?

a) Because the surface waters are cooler.
b) Because storms disturb the seabed and bring particles up into the water column.
c) Because of increased flow from terrestrial rivers.
d) Both b and c could be correct.

4) Why is the phytoplankton population most likely reduced in May and June?

a) Because of consumption by zooplankton.
b) Because increasing surface water temperatures impact negatively on phytoplankton growth.
c) Because there is too much phytoplankton in the surface waters.
d) None of the above.

5) Temperatures in the bottom water seem stable for much of the year. What most likely happened in August?

a) The warming of the water during the summer finally had an impact on bottom temperatures.
b) There was an increase in storms and bottom current velocities.
c) A bottom water flow direction changed markedly, indicating the flow through of a different water body.
d) None of the above.

6) Which animals found at the Quiz site are the most likely to be able to live in a range of temperatures, if they live in the location throughout the year?

a) Those that live in surface waters.
b) Those that live in bottom waters.
c) Those that move between the surface and bottom waters.
d) Those that live at medium depth.

7) If you were a creature crawling on the seabed, able to eat fresh marine detritus, which months would be ideal for a visit to the Quiz site?

a) June & July.
b) May & June.
c) Februrary & March.
d) November & December.

8) If a seabed species is very susceptible to temperature and flow speed changes, which months would it be most at risk?

a) December, January, Februrary & March.
b) April, May, June & July.
c) August & September.
d) A & C.

9) Which of the following events occured quickly (over several days maximum?)

a) The bottom water flow direction change at the end of July.
b) The decrease in zooplankton in July.
c) The surface water temperature increase in April.
d) All of the above.

10) Which event may have been missed, were a lander not present at the Quiz site and only monthly visited to the surface waters by research vessel?

a) The change in zooplankton concentrations throughout the year.
b) The winter storms.
c) The flow direction change at the end of July.