Primary productivity in tropical oceans is primarily limited by nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Factors such as temperature, light availability, and water movement can also influence primary productivity in tropical oceans. Upwelling events that bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface can enhance primary productivity in these regions.
open oceans
Primary production in polar oceans typically reaches its peak during the austral summer (December to February) when there is continuous sunlight due to the midnight sun phenomenon, providing optimal conditions for photosynthesis by phytoplankton and algae. This period of abundant sunlight promotes the growth of primary producers, leading to a peak in primary production during the summer months in polar oceans.
Primary productivity in land ecosystems is generally higher than in ocean ecosystems when measured per unit area, primarily due to the abundance of terrestrial plants and their ability to photosynthesize efficiently. However, the total primary productivity of the oceans is substantial due to their vast surface area, making them a significant contributor to global carbon fixation. Marine environments, particularly coastal areas and upwelling zones, can exhibit high productivity levels, but overall, terrestrial ecosystems tend to have greater productivity on a per-area basis. Thus, while oceans cover more area, terrestrial ecosystems contribute more significantly to global biomass production.
The maritime polar air mass forms over the cold waters of the polar regions. It acquires its characteristics, including cool and humid air, as it moves over the oceans.
Primary productivity in polar oceans typically reaches its peak during the summer season when there is continuous sunlight due to the polar day. This allows phytoplankton and other primary producers to photosynthesize and grow rapidly, leading to increased productivity.
Polar oceans are generally less productive than temperate oceans in terms of overall biomass and species diversity. However, they can experience bursts of high productivity during the summer months when sunlight is abundant and nutrients are plentiful due to upwelling. The productivity in polar regions is often dominated by phytoplankton, which can support large populations of zooplankton and fish during these peak periods. In contrast, temperate oceans maintain more consistent productivity year-round due to a wider range of ecological niches and a more diverse array of marine life.
Productivity in temperate oceans is determined by factors such as nutrient availability, light levels, temperature, and water movement. These factors influence the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the food chain in marine ecosystems. Phytoplankton productivity supports the productivity of higher trophic levels in the ocean.
over oceans
Both the Arctic and the Southern Ocean are polar oceans.
Arctic Ocean
over oceans
yes
Primary productivity in tropical oceans is primarily limited by nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Factors such as temperature, light availability, and water movement can also influence primary productivity in tropical oceans. Upwelling events that bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface can enhance primary productivity in these regions.
open oceans
In all of the oceans and all but the polar seas.
Compared to a maritime tropical airmass, a maritime polar airmass has lower temperature and less water vapor.