Geography • Physical GeographyHard
What primary oceanographic process influences the coastal marine ecosystems along the Kerala shelf during the peak Southwest Monsoon, often leading to upwelling and localized pelagic fishery blooms (such as 'Chakara')?
A. Deep-water downwelling caused by strong onshore wind convergence
B. Surface water divergence driven by wind stress and coastal currents resulting in nutrient-rich bottom water rising to the surface✓ Correct Answer
C. Thermal expansion of tropical surface waters creating permanent dead zones
D. Tidal resonance amplifying high-amplitude tsunami waves
💡 Solution & Explanation
During the Southwest Monsoon, along-shore winds generate offshore Ekman transport that causes nutrient-rich deep water to upwell along the Kerala shelf, stimulating biological productivity and seasonal mudbanks. Downwelling or thermal expansion represent completely different oceanographic phenomena that suppress primary productivity.
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