Why is the coastal ocean more productive than the open ocean?

Why is the coastal ocean more productive than the open ocean?

Coastal waters are more productive than the central ocean for two main reasons. First, runoff from land often contains a high abundance of nutrients which get deposited in coastal waters and stimulate production.

Why is the open ocean least productive?

In surface waters away from coastlines, generally there is plenty of sun but not enough nutrients. So most of the ocean surface is not very productive. The water is too deep for storms to stir up nutrients from the bottom and there isn’t upwelling.

Which part of the ocean is most productive?

Although they occupy less than two percent of the oceans, the coastal upwelling areas in the eastern parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean are among the biologically most productive marine areas worldwide.

Which ocean zone has the lowest productivity?

the marine zone with the lowest rate of photosynthesis would likely be the B) abyssal zone as this zone is furthest from the surface and therefore receives the least sunlight. Since sunlight is required for photosynthesis the abyssal zone has the least potential for primary productivity.

Why are cold oceans more productive?

Where phytoplankton grow depends on available sunlight, temperature, and nutrient levels. Because cold waters tend to have more nutrients than warm waters, phytoplankton tend to be more plentiful where waters ware cold.

Why are oceans least productive ecosystem?

The primary factors affecting the productivity of any ecosystem are sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. -Oceans contain lots of nutrients but they have no sufficient sunlight reaching in the deep areas, therefore, oceans have the least productivity among all ecosystems.

Why are shallow coastal zones more productive?

The proximity to land and its nutrient sources, the interception of sinking organic matter by the shallow seafloor, and the propensity for coastal upwelling all result in highly productive ecosystems.

What factors affect productivity in the ocean?

Ocean Productivity. Abiotic factors like solar radiation and nutrients, and biotic factors like zooplankton predation may affect ocean primary productivity. Productivity varies with the season, and also locally and globally.

Why are Antarctic waters so productive?

The Southern Ocean and Antarctica have high levels of primary productivity for three months of the year, based on the growth of phytoplankton. These microscopic plants are highly adapted to this unique environment and survive despite the lack of iron – a key nutrient – in these waters.

Why is the productivity in tropical oceans uniformly low year round?

Why is the productivity in tropical oceans uniformly low year-round? The main limiting productivity factor in tropical oceans is the availability of nutrients.

Which is more productive the coast or the open ocean?

Even though the coast is just a small sliver of the ocean, it is the more productive of the two marine biomes. This means the coasts hold more marine biodiversity, which provides food for many animals, including humans. The open ocean stretches from the edges of the coast between the continents for hundreds of miles.

What are some interesting facts about the open ocean?

Fun Facts About the Open Ocean. 1. Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, and half of those waters are at least 1.86 miles (3 km) deep.

Why are there not enough nutrients in the ocean?

In deep water there are lots of nutrients but no sunlight. This is why it’s reasonable to measure productivity just by looking at surface water. In surface waters away from coastlines, generally there is plenty of sun but not enough nutrients. So most of the ocean surface is not very productive.

How does the upwelling of the ocean take place?

Upwelling happens when very cold water from the bottom of the ocean is pushed up to the surface. This carries nutrients up into the sunlight so that tiny creatures in the water can convert them into food.