Summary
Wind-driven rise of cold, nutrient-rich water that fuels some of the ocean's richest fisheries.
In depth
Occurs along western coasts (Peru, California, Namibia) and equatorial regions. Peru's upwelling supports anchoveta fisheries, which collapse during El Niño. Upwelled water also brings CO2 and low oxygen.
Ekman transport moves surface water offshore, drawing deep water upward. El Niño suppresses upwelling off Peru. Upwelling supports seabird and marine mammal populations.
Key idea: upwelling brings nutrients to sunlit surface waters.
Frequently asked questions
What is Upwelling?
Wind-driven rise of cold, nutrient-rich water that fuels some of the ocean's richest fisheries.
Which area of biology covers Upwelling, and how advanced is it?
Upwelling is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Ocean Acidification, Thermohaline Circulation, Plankton.
Can you give an example of Upwelling?
Upwelling regions cover 5 percent of the ocean but produce about 25 percent of fish catch.
What should I learn before Upwelling?
Work through the Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology first, such as Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton, then return to Upwelling. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Upwelling?
The closest topics to Upwelling are Ocean Acidification, Thermohaline Circulation, Plankton, Biological Pump. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Upwelling?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Upwelling. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Upwelling different from Ocean Acidification?
Upwelling: Wind-driven rise of cold, nutrient-rich water that fuels some of the ocean's richest fisheries. Ocean Acidification: Dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, lowering seawater pH and making it harder for shell builders to form calcium carbonate. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Upwelling step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Ocean Acidification and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.