Which of the following describes the phenemenon where deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface of the ocean?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Upwelling is an oceanographic process driven by winds that push surface water away, allowing deep, cold, and nutrient-dense water to rise to the ocean surface. This phenomenon supports massive phytoplankton blooms, making upwelling zones some of the richest fishing grounds globally. Conversely, downwelling forces surface water downward, transporting dissolved oxygen to deeper layers. Coastal upwelling along western continental margins is a prime example of this dynamic.