Answer to Question 1ANS: C
The residence time of an element is individual. Some elements remain in seawater for short periods of
time before becoming bound in sediments. Chemical activity of the element effects its residence time.
Information can be found in the section Seawater Consists of Water and Dissolved Solids.
Answer to Question 2ANS: D
Nitrogen is a trace element in the ocean despite its abundance in the atmosphere. Any element that is
less than 1 part per million is considered a trace element. Although trace elements are such small
quantities, they are often crucial to life processes. Information can be found in the section Seawater
Consists of Water and Dissolved Solids