EAS 1540 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Critical Depth, Kao Corporation, Chlorophyll
15 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Summary of light and nutrient control of primary production. Nutrients (except iron) is in the deep ocean. Thermocline separates the two - barrier to mixing (harder to mix the stronger the jump) Low primary production where deep water won"t come to surface. Reminder: ekman layer forms mound of (low-nutrient) water and rotations downwards into the deep ocean. It is difficult to move upwards towards the surface here, so primary production is very low. Low surface layer nutrients are always present all year around (very little seasonal variation) Has very little seasonal variability in primary production. Tidal mixing - in shallow continental shelf regions. Mixes water column from bottom to top and brings bottom water rich in nutrients to the ocean surface. Coastal upwelling - results from wind/ekman offshore transport. Greatly enhances upward movement of deep water that is rich in nutrients. Tidal mixing front = very homogenous water (shallow to deep) goes to very not mixed water.
