The process by which surface waters that are swept from the coast and are replaced by cool, nutrient-rich water from great depths is known as____________________.
Upwelling is a geographical phenomenon that happens in the oceans.
The water in ocean depths are rich in nutrients These nutrients are obtained from the minerals present in the ocean bed.
The water to the surface of the oceans are nutrient deficient and warm. This is because sunlight warms up the water and the aquatic animals like fishes, sea-birds, zoo-planktons use up the nutrients for their metabolism and energy.
By the phenomenon of upwelling, the nutrient rich and cold water from ocean depths flow to the surface of the ocean and the nutrient deficient and warm water flow back to the ocean depth.
This is caused by the winds and ocean currents.
Due to increase in the nutrient concentration in the surface water, large number of organisms are able grow here thereby making the surface water a high productivity or high biodiversity zone.