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First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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Productivity & Nutrient Dynamics in Oceans (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

Productivity & Nutrient Dynamics in Oceans

Thermal stratification and nutrient mixing

  • Thermal stratification:

    • In many parts of the ocean, the water forms layers based on temperature, with warmer water on the surface and colder water below

    • When the water layers are strongly separated, nutrients from the deeper, colder water cannot mix into the surface layers

      • This limits productivity

    • In temperate regions, thermal stratification can vary with the seasons

      • In summer, surface waters warm up and form a clear thermal layer, but in winter, cooling of surface waters allows vertical mixing and nutrient exchange

  • Nutrient mixing:

    • Nutrients that are essential for phytoplankton growth often sink to deeper waters

    • Mixing processes, such as wind-driven currents and seasonal overturning, bring these nutrients back to the surface

      • Vertical mixing occurs most often in the spring and autumn in temperate regions

      • During these seasons the water column is more uniform in temperature, allowing for the upward movement of nutrients

Limiting factors for aquatic productivity

  • Light:

    • Light is crucial for photosynthesis

    • Its availability decreases with depth

    • This limits productivity to the photic zone (the upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates)

    • Turbidity can also reduce the amount of light reaching phytoplankton

      • This can limit productivity even in shallow areas

  • Temperature:

    • Warmer waters generally increase metabolic rates and the speed of nutrient cycling

      • This can boost productivity

    • However, if waters are too warm, it can lead to thermal stratification

      • This can prevent nutrient mixing and reduce overall productivity

  • Nutrients:

    • Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron are critical for phytoplankton growth

    • In many parts of the ocean, these nutrients are a limiting factor

Patterns of aquatic productivity

Geographic patterns

  • Coastal areas:

    • Coastal waters, especially in shallow seas, are highly productive due to nutrient inputs from rivers and upwelling

    • These areas, such as estuaries, often serve as nurseries for marine species

  • Tropical regions:

    • Tropical oceans, especially in shallow areas, tend to be more productive due to constant sunlight

    • Coral reefs, like those found in the Great Barrier Reef, are examples of highly productive tropical ecosystems supported by nutrient recycling and symbiosis between species

  • Upwelling zones:

    • Upwelling zones are among the most productive regions in the ocean

    • Winds and ocean currents along some coastlines drive surface water away, allowing cold, nutrient-rich water to rise

    • This nutrient enrichment of surface waters provides abundant resources for phytoplankton

Seasonal changes

  • Temperate regions:

    • In temperate oceans, productivity follows a seasonal pattern

    • In spring, increased light and nutrient mixing lead to spring blooms of phytoplankton

    • In summer, productivity slows due to thermal stratification

    • In autumn, cooling surface waters and stronger winds allow nutrient mixing again, causing a smaller autumn bloom before winter sets in

Graph showing seasonal changes in nutrients, solar energy, and phytoplankton biomass, highlighting spring and autumn blooms. Includes a colour-coded key.
Seasonal changes in light, temperature, nutrients, stratification and productivity in temperate waters in the Northern Hemisphere

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Understand key terms clearly: terms like 'thermal stratification,' 'upwelling,' and 'nutrient mixing' can be confusing. Ensure you understand and can explain how they affect ocean productivity.

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.