Sea Level Change Concept Maps

1
The Feeding Frenzy Seasonal Upwelling
The marine ecosystem is dependent upon the
cyclical nature of biotic and abiotic processes.
The number of organisms a marine ecosystem can
support depends on the food resources available
and abiotic factors, such as quantity of light
and dissolved nutrients.
Coastal upwelling is a seasonal event.
Coastal upwelling zones are rich marine
resources.
Living organisms form complex food webs.
Abiotic cycles drive biotic cycles in marine
ecosystems.
The ocean surface changes seasonally.
Abundant marine life is visible at the surface
during seasons of coastal upwelling.
Energy in food webs is transferred from producers
to consumers.
The presence of colder, nutrient-rich water on
the surface stimulates photosynthesis in
phytoplankton.
Given adequate biotic and abiotic resources
populations increase at rapid rates.
Seasonal wind patterns drive surface ocean
currents.
Upwelling zones support successful reproduction
of migratory and resident species.
Decomposers make nutrients from higher tropic
levels available to producers.
Displacement of warmer surface water causes
colder subsurface water to rise, bearing
nutrients from the bottom.
Successful phytoplankton reproduction requires a
source of sunlight and a source of nutrients.
As photoperiods decrease and wind patterns
change, seasonal upwelling dies down.
A decrease in the availability of resources
limits the growth of populations in a marine
ecosystem.
Phytoplankton form the base of energy pyramids in
marine food webs.
Colder, nutrient-rich waters are denser than
warmer surface waters.