Pacific Coast Marine Province Quiz
Cold-water ecosystems and upwelling zones (10 questions).
Pacific Coast Marine Province Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Pacific Coast Marine Province is characterized by its dynamic cold-water ecosystems and vital upwelling zones. This region, spanning from Baja California to southern Alaska, is a hotspot of marine biodiversity and productivity, driven by the unique oceanographic processes that bring deep, nutrient-rich waters to the surface.
Key Concepts
Key Takeaways
- The Pacific Coast Marine Province is primarily characterized by its cold-water environment.
- Coastal upwelling is a crucial process, bringing deep, nutrient-rich water to the surface.
- Prevailing winds combined with the Coriolis effect primarily drive upwelling in this region.
- Upwelling fuels high primary productivity, making the Pacific Coast ecologically rich and biodiverse.
- Key species like phytoplankton, kelp, and a variety of marine animals extensively depend on these upwelling conditions.
- The California Current contributes to the cold temperatures and significantly influences the upwelling dynamics.
- Climatic phenomena such as El Niño can significantly reduce upwelling, leading to substantial impacts on the marine ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Pacific Coast Marine Province?
It’s defined by its distinctive cold-water ecosystems and highly productive upwelling zones along the western North American coastline, from Baja California to Alaska.
How does upwelling occur along the Pacific Coast?
Strong northerly winds parallel to the coast push surface water offshore. Due to the Coriolis effect, this water is deflected to the right (Northern Hemisphere), causing deeper, colder, nutrient-rich water to rise to replace it.
Why are upwelling zones important for marine life?
Upwelling brings essential nutrients (like nitrates and phosphates) from the deep ocean to the surface, fueling massive blooms of phytoplankton, which form the base of a highly productive marine food web.
What role do kelp forests play in this province?
Kelp forests thrive in these cold, nutrient-rich waters, creating complex three-dimensional habitats that provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a vast array of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, acting as vital nurseries.
How does El Niño affect the Pacific Coast Marine Province?
El Niño typically brings warmer ocean temperatures and weaker winds, which suppress the upwelling process. This reduces the supply of nutrients, leading to decreased phytoplankton production and cascading negative impacts throughout the food web.
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