Consider the following about the phenomenon of Upwelling in the India...
Explanation:
Upwelling is a phenomenon in which cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths of the ocean rises to the surface. It occurs in various regions around the world, including the Indian Ocean. The given statements related to the phenomenon of upwelling in the Indian Ocean are as follows:
1. It is a seasonal phenomenon associated with the monsoon:
Upwelling in the Indian Ocean is indeed a seasonal phenomenon that is associated with the monsoon. During the summer monsoon season, winds blow from the southwest over the Arabian Sea, pushing the surface waters away from the coast. This creates a vacuum effect that pulls up the deeper, nutrient-rich water to the surface. This upwelling of cold water is important for the marine ecosystem as it provides nutrients to support the growth of phytoplankton and sustains the food chain.
2. It is weakest in regions closest to the equator and strongest near subtropical latitudes:
This statement is correct. Upwelling is weakest in regions closest to the equator because the Coriolis effect is weaker near the equator, resulting in weaker wind-driven currents that are responsible for upwelling. On the other hand, upwelling is strongest near subtropical latitudes where the Coriolis effect is stronger, leading to stronger wind-driven currents and more pronounced upwelling.
3. It brings nutrient-rich water to the surface and enhances the biological productivity of the region:
This statement is also correct. Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface, providing essential nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates to support the growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton forms the base of the marine food chain and is consumed by zooplankton, which in turn are eaten by larger marine organisms. Therefore, upwelling enhances the biological productivity of the region by increasing the availability of nutrients and supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Conclusion:
Considering all the given statements, it can be concluded that upwelling in the Indian Ocean is a seasonal phenomenon associated with the monsoon, it is weakest in regions closest to the equator and strongest near subtropical latitudes, and it brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, thus enhancing the biological productivity of the region. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 1 and 3 only.
Consider the following about the phenomenon of Upwelling in the India...
- Associated with the monsoon, it sees the migration of deep-sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) towards the coast. During the northeast monsoon, strong upwelling occurs along the western coast of India.
- During the southwest monsoon, upwelling occurs off the Somali and Arabian coasts and south of Java. It is most intense between 5° and 11° N, with the replacement of wanner surface water by the water of about 14 °C.
- It involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and usually, nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface, replacing the warmer, usually nutrient-depleted surface water. The nutrient-rich upwelled water stimulates the growth and reproduction of primary producers such as phytoplankton.