Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Characteristics

Trade winds blowing strongly from east to west in tropical regions.

The upward movement of cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths to the surface.

A diverse range of living organisms in an ecosystem.

The transition zone between a freshwater river and the saltwater ocean, characterized by brackish water and sheltered habitats.

An area of land where all water runoff flows to a single point, like a river or lake.

The uppermost layer of a lake where sunlight penetrates, allowing for photosynthesis by algae and phytoplankton.

The deeper, dark layer of a lake where sunlight doesn't reach, characterized by low oxygen levels and sediment.

All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

The movement of warm surface waters away from the coast, causing an upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep water.

Areas along western coastlines where upwelling occurs.

El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather patterns.

A climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often resulting in opposite effects to El Nino.

During El Nino, trade winds weaken or reverse, moving warm water towards the coast and preventing upwelling. This results in a lack of nutrients and a disrupted food web.

Reduced upwelling during El Nino leads to a decline in nutrient supply, causing a collapse of food webs and impacting fishing industries.

Changes in wind patterns and upwelling affect weather across the globe. El Nino can cause excessive rainfall in South America and dry conditions in Australia.

The deepest zone of the ocean, characterized by extreme pressure, low light, cold temperatures, high nutrient levels, and abundant sediment.

The measure of all the salts dissolved in water.

Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that form the base of the food chain in the pelagic zone.

Zooplankton are microscopic animals that feed on phytoplankton and other small organisms.

A measure of acidity in a solution. The higher the concentration of H+ ions, the more acidic the solution.

The process of increasing the acidity of seawater due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The process of coral losing its color and dying due to environmental stress, often caused by rising water temperatures.

A natural process in lakes where cooler, denser water sinks to the bottom, forcing warmer water to rise, causing a mixing of the layers and the recycling of nutrients.

Salty water intrusion into freshwater aquifers. It occurs when groundwater is withdrawn faster than it can be replenished.

The removal of vegetation leads to less stable soil, resulting in increased sediment run-off into bodies of water.

Sediment run-off reduces light penetration in water, hindering photosynthesis and overall aquatic productivity.

The overuse of groundwater for irrigation leads to a depletion of aquifers, allowing saltwater to seep in.

Saltwater intrusion results in unusable water for plants, leading to their death.

The absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere causes the ocean to become more acidic.

Ocean acidification depletes carbonate, which marine organisms need to build their shells and skeletons.

Increased atmospheric CO2 traps heat, leading to global warming and ocean warming.

Ocean warming stresses coral reefs, causing bleaching and loss of biodiversity.

Mangrove root systems provide stability to coastlines, preventing erosion caused by wind and waves.

Mangroves have layers of organic sediment that absorb excess water, mitigating flooding risks.

The Florida Everglades is the largest mangrove habitat globally.

Urbanization and agricultural activities have led to a significant decrease in wetland areas in Florida, including mangrove habitats.

Mangrove destruction disrupts the ocean food web, impacting fish populations and affecting fisheries.

Overfishing occurs when fish populations are depleted due to excessive fishing, often caused by modern technologies and a lack of regulation.

A keystone species has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem, and its loss can cause a cascade of biodiversity loss.

Invasive species, introduced by humans, can outcompete native species, disrupting food webs and biodiversity.