Upwelling
Definition
Upwelling is the process in which cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths rises to the surface. This brings nutrients to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and attracting marine life.
Analogy
Imagine a deep well filled with nutritious food at the bottom. When you pump water from that well to the surface, it brings all those nutrients up, creating a buffet for hungry animals waiting above.
Related terms
Phytoplankton: Tiny plant-like organisms that float near the ocean's surface and form the base of many marine food chains.
Thermocline: A layer in an ocean or lake where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth.
El Niño: A climate pattern characterized by warm waters in the Pacific Ocean, causing changes in weather patterns worldwide.
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