Ocean upwelling

Definition

Ocean upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the ocean's surface. This phenomenon supports high biological productivity and diverse marine ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean upwelling occurs primarily along coastlines and at the equator due to wind patterns and the Earth's rotation.
2. Upwelling zones are some of the most productive marine environments, supporting large fisheries.
3. The nutrient influx from upwelling fuels phytoplankton blooms, which form the base of marine food webs.
4. El Niño events can disrupt normal upwelling patterns, leading to declines in fish populations.
5. Upwelling plays a critical role in carbon cycling by transporting carbon-rich deep water to the surface.

Review Questions

• What causes deep, cold water to rise to the ocean's surface during upwelling?
• How does ocean upwelling affect marine biodiversity and fisheries?
• What impact do El Niño events have on ocean upwelling?

Related terms

Thermocline: A layer in a body of water where temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Phytoplankton: Microscopic organisms that are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.

El Niño: A climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.