Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Productivity & Nutrient Dynamics in Oceans (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
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
This is known as thermal stratification
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
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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