![]() The pelagic zone refers to the open, free waters away from the shore, where marine life can swim freely in any direction unhindered by topographical constraints. Marine life is affected by bathymetry (underwater topography) such as the seafloor, shoreline, or a submarine seamount, as well as by proximity to the boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere at the ocean surface, which brings light for photosynthesis, predation from above, and wind stirring up waves and setting currents in motion. Somewhat analogous to stratification in the Earth's atmosphere, but depending on how deep the water is, the water column can be divided vertically into up to five different layers (illustrated in the diagram). ![]() Conditions in the water column change with depth: pressure increases temperature and light decrease salinity, oxygen, micronutrients (such as iron, magnesium and calcium) all change. ![]() The pelagic zone can be thought of as an imaginary cylinder or water column between the surface of the sea and the bottom. The word pelagic is derived from Ancient Greek πέλαγος ( pélagos) 'open sea'. The pelagic zone consists of the water column of the open ocean and can be further divided into regions by depth.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |