How Does Wave Action Affect Oxygen Levels Near Shore?

In summary, the conversation discusses the role of waves in producing oxygen in the ocean and whether this has a significant impact on the oxygen levels and the living organisms in the ocean. The experts agree that waves do not produce oxygen, but they do mix it with the water and increase its concentration. However, this is primarily due to the oxygen already present in the atmosphere. The absence of waves is not likely to have a significant effect on the oxygen levels in the ocean. Most of the oxygen in the ocean comes from photosynthesis by plant life. Additionally, the water near the shore may release oxygen due to a temperature differential.
  • #1
Si14
75
0
Hi,
Does wave hit the shore produce oxygen? If so, how and how significant is this amount of oxygen?
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Si14 said:
Does wave hit the shore produce oxygen? If so, how and how significant is this amount of oxygen?

Short answer: no.

But I wonder what you are really asking about.
 
  • #3
Borek said:
Short answer: no.

But I wonder what you are really asking about.

As Borek said, it won't produce any oxygen. But I'm wondering whether the OP is asking if the concentration of O2 would increase when the wave hits the shore (by mixing some of the oxygen present in the atmosphere). In this case, the answer is yes, since moving waters tend to present a higher percentage of dissolved oxygen than stagnant water.

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/dissolvedoxygen.html

However, this is merely because the water is getting this oxygen from the atmosphere. It's not producing oxygen, it's merely getting it from somewhere else.
 
  • #4
Thanks.
I was curious about the role of waves in the % of oxygen present in the water. Specifically, between moving waters and still waters.
So, suppose waves do not exist in oceans. Does it affect the livings under water? (you said wave mix oxygen with water and increase the %).
 
  • #5
Si14 said:
Thanks.
I was curious about the role of waves in the % of oxygen present in the water. Specifically, between moving waters and still waters.
So, suppose waves do not exist in oceans. Does it affect the livings under water? (you said wave mix oxygen with water and increase the %).

I expect that it would have a negligible effect overall. Most of the oxygen in the ocean comes from plant life living in the ocean producing oxygen via photosynthesis.
 
  • #6
First, most of the current O2 on our planet arose from the oceans.

Second, one way O2 is liberated upon coming to shore, as any swimmer knows, the water gets warmer near the shore. This reduces the O2 solubility, and as such, it is possible that water is releasing oxygen due simply to a temperature differential.
 

Related to How Does Wave Action Affect Oxygen Levels Near Shore?

1. Do waves produce oxygen?

Yes, waves do produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Ocean waves create turbulence on the surface of the water, allowing for the mixing of nutrients and oxygen from the atmosphere. This facilitates the growth of phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that use sunlight to produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

2. How do waves produce oxygen?

Waves produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This process involves the absorption of sunlight by phytoplankton, which then use this energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. The oxygen is then released into the water and atmosphere, contributing to the Earth's oxygen supply.

3. Do all types of waves produce oxygen?

No, not all types of waves produce oxygen. Only ocean waves, specifically those on the surface of the water, have the ability to produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Waves on lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water do not have the same effect on oxygen production.

4. How much oxygen do waves produce?

The amount of oxygen produced by waves is difficult to quantify, as it depends on various factors such as the intensity of the waves, the amount of sunlight, and the concentration of phytoplankton. However, it is estimated that phytoplankton in the ocean produces about half of the Earth's oxygen supply.

5. Can waves help combat climate change through oxygen production?

Yes, waves and their ability to produce oxygen can help mitigate the effects of climate change. As more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, the ocean's ability to absorb and convert it into oxygen becomes increasingly important. Additionally, the growth of phytoplankton through wave-induced turbulence can also help regulate the Earth's carbon cycle and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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