Neritic zone

Definition

The neritic zone is the part of the ocean that extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, typically reaching depths of about 200 meters. This area is characterized by relatively shallow waters that are rich in nutrients and support a diverse array of marine life, making it one of the most productive zones in the ocean. The neritic zone plays a vital role in ocean water movements and properties, influencing temperature, salinity, and biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The neritic zone is home to a wide variety of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass beds, all contributing to its high biodiversity.
2. Due to its shallow depth, the neritic zone is significantly influenced by terrestrial factors such as river runoff, which introduces nutrients and sediments into the water.
3. Temperature variations in the neritic zone are generally less extreme compared to deeper ocean areas, allowing for stable habitats for marine organisms.
4. The neritic zone is also important for commercial fishing as it supports many species that are economically significant to humans, including fish and shellfish.
5. Ocean currents within the neritic zone help distribute nutrients and oxygen throughout this region, affecting both the health of marine ecosystems and their productivity.

Review Questions

• How does the neritic zone contribute to marine biodiversity compared to other ocean zones?
  • The neritic zone contributes significantly to marine biodiversity due to its shallow waters and rich nutrient availability. It serves as a habitat for various marine life forms, including fish, invertebrates, and plant species. The presence of ecosystems such as coral reefs and kelp forests enhances this biodiversity by providing shelter and food sources for numerous organisms that may not thrive in deeper or more extreme environments.
• Evaluate how human activities might impact the health of the neritic zone and its associated ecosystems.
  • Human activities such as overfishing, pollution from land runoff, and coastal development can severely impact the health of the neritic zone. Overfishing depletes fish stocks and disrupts food webs, while pollution can introduce harmful substances that damage sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. Coastal development alters natural habitats and can lead to habitat loss, ultimately reducing biodiversity and compromising the overall resilience of these marine environments.
• Assess the importance of ocean water movements in maintaining ecological balance within the neritic zone.
  • Ocean water movements play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance within the neritic zone by facilitating nutrient distribution and promoting biological productivity. Upwelling currents bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting phytoplankton growth, which forms the foundation of marine food webs. Additionally, currents help regulate temperature and salinity levels in this region, creating stable conditions that are essential for the survival of diverse marine organisms while also influencing local fisheries.

Related terms

continental shelf:

The submerged border of a continent that extends from the low tide mark to where the sea floor drops steeply into the deep ocean.

photic zone: The upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis to occur, which supports many marine organisms.

upwelling: A process where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, often occurring in coastal regions and enhancing biological productivity.