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Most productivity in open oceans is limited to surface waters primarily due to the availability of sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. Phytoplankton, the primary producers in marine ecosystems, thrive in the well-lit epipelagic zone (the upper layer of the ocean) where light penetrates. Below this layer, light diminishes rapidly, restricting photosynthetic activity and, consequently, the overall productivity of marine life. Additionally, nutrient availability tends to decrease with depth, further limiting productivity in the deeper ocean waters.
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What limits primary productivity in tropical oceans?
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.
What oceans do the great white live in?
Coastal Surface waters in all major oceans.
Are wind-driven currents found near the surface of the ocean or in the deep waters of oceans?
surface
What causes cold nutrientrich waters to move up to the oceans surface?
ocean fronts
What makes up the surface waters in the hydrosphere?
Surface waters in the hydrosphere are made up of oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and streams. These bodies of water are interconnected through the water cycle, with water evaporating from oceans and lakes, forming clouds, and eventually falling back to the surface as precipitation.
What are the surface waters of the earth called?
Surface waters of the Earth are typically referred to as "water bodies" or "water sources," which include oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and streams. These surface waters play a crucial role in supporting various ecosystems and human activities.
Does the interconnected waters or the oceans cover over 70 percent of the earths surface?
Yes, the interconnected waters of the oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate, supporting marine life, and providing a source of food and livelihood for many people around the world.
How does upwelling affect the productivity of many regions of the ocean including waters off the coasts of California and Peru?
Upwelling increases productivity by lifting nutrients to the surface.
Why are plant planktons not found in deep oceans?
Plant planktons, or phytoplankton, require sunlight to perform photosynthesis and produce energy. In deep oceans, sunlight does not penetrate to the same extent as in shallower waters, making it challenging for phytoplankton to survive and thrive due to limited light availability. Consequently, phytoplankton are typically found in surface waters where sunlight can reach them for photosynthesis.
Why is productivity high in polar oceans?
Productivity in polar oceans is high primarily due to the availability of nutrient-rich waters that are brought to the surface through processes like upwelling and mixing driven by wind and currents. The extended daylight during summer months enhances photosynthesis among phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web. Additionally, cold water holds higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen, supporting diverse marine life. These factors combined create a conducive environment for high biological productivity in polar regions.
What marks the transition between the warm surface layer and the deep zone of cold water in the oceans?
The transition between the warm surface layer and the deep cold water in the oceans is marked by a distinct boundary called the thermocline. The thermocline is a region where temperature decreases rapidly with depth, signaling the shift from warmer surface waters to cooler deep waters in the ocean.
Upwelling carries nutrients out of what kind of ocean waters?
Upwelling carries nutrients out of deep ocean waters, which are typically cold and rich in nutrients due to the decomposition of organic matter. This process occurs when deeper waters rise to the surface, often along coastlines or in areas where winds drive surface waters away. As these nutrient-laden waters reach the surface, they support high biological productivity, particularly in marine ecosystems.
