1. 8. 11(D)  recognize human dependence on ocean systems and explain how human activities such as runoff, artificial reefs, or use of resources have modified these systems.

2. Some examples of ocean systems:

3. Pollution Harmful substances mixing with the air, land, and/or water.
Technical Definition: Contamination of soil, water, or the atmosphere by the discharge of harmful substances.
Image adapted from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: adapted from Access Science, page 106.

4. Overfishing or Overharvesting
Catching large numbers of fish so as to deplete their populations.
Technical Definition: To fish to such a degree as to upset the ecological balance or cause depletion of living creatures.
Image from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: Common Knowledge

5. Dead Zones Low-oxygen areas in the world's oceans.
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone near the mouth of the Mississippi River (Photo courtesy NOAA).
Image from: Definition:

6. Artificial Reef
a human-made underwater structure, typically built for the purpose of promoting marine life
Image from: Definition:

7. Watershed
Area of land that drains water from a higher area of land to a lower level of land and into a stream.
Technical Definition: An area that is drained by a river and all the streams that empty into it.
Image from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: adapted from ScienceSaurus Glossary, page 482.

8. Dependence on Natural Resources
something needed or greatly desired
Image from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: adapted from ScienceSaurus Glossary, page 482.

9. Watershed
Area of land that drains water from a higher area of land to a lower level of land and into a stream.
Technical Definition: An area that is drained by a river and all the streams that empty into it.
Image from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: adapted from ScienceSaurus Glossary, page 482.

10. Groundwater Water located the Earth’s surface.
Technical Definition: Water beneath the earth's surface.
Image adapted from: Technical Definition: Student Definition: adapted from Access Science, page 107.

11. Surface Water Water that is located at the Earth's surface.
Image from: Definition: