Difference between revisions of "Upwelling"
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| − | Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. | + | Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. Colder water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away. |
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[[File:Upwelling_cartoon.jpg|thumb|300px]] | [[File:Upwelling_cartoon.jpg|thumb|300px]] | ||
| − | Upwelling occurs in the open ocean and along coastlines. The reverse process, called “downwelling,” also occurs when wind causes surface | + | Upwelling occurs in the open ocean and along coastlines. The reverse process, called “downwelling,” also occurs when wind causes surface water to build up along a coastline and the surface water eventually sinks toward the bottom. |
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Water that rises to the surface as a result of upwelling is typically colder and is rich in nutrients. These nutrients “fertilize” surface waters, meaning that these surface waters often have high biological productivity. Therefore, good fishing grounds typically are found where upwelling is common. | Water that rises to the surface as a result of upwelling is typically colder and is rich in nutrients. These nutrients “fertilize” surface waters, meaning that these surface waters often have high biological productivity. Therefore, good fishing grounds typically are found where upwelling is common. | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | [http://oceanmotion.org/html/background/upwelling-and-downwelling.htm Wind Driven Surface Currents: Upwelling and Downwelling] (NASA Ocean Motion) | ||
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| + | [http://www.surfline.com/surf-science/upwelling-and-water-temps---forecaster-blog_26077/ Upwelling and SoCal Water Temps] (Surfline) | ||
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Revision as of 15:36, 14 April 2014
Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. Colder water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away.
Upwelling occurs in the open ocean and along coastlines. The reverse process, called “downwelling,” also occurs when wind causes surface water to build up along a coastline and the surface water eventually sinks toward the bottom.
Water that rises to the surface as a result of upwelling is typically colder and is rich in nutrients. These nutrients “fertilize” surface waters, meaning that these surface waters often have high biological productivity. Therefore, good fishing grounds typically are found where upwelling is common.
References
Wind Driven Surface Currents: Upwelling and Downwelling (NASA Ocean Motion)
Upwelling and SoCal Water Temps (Surfline)