Assignment : Seasonal Production

Assignment : Seasonal Production

Intro to Ocean Sci.: Ch. 12 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (pp 293-297)

Download Figures 1-4 (Links to an external site.) to answer questions 1-5.

1. According to Figure 2 (page 2), identify which latitudes have the highestand lowest chlorophyll levels. Explain how these levels correspond toSST values (sea surface temperature, Fig. 1; page 1).
2. In Figure 2, compare chlorophyll levels at coastalareas to open ocean chlorophyll levels in the North Pacific Ocean andthe Indian Ocean.
3. Explain why chorophyll levels (primary production)at low latitudes likely do not change throughout the year (seasons).Identify any limiting factors for primary production.
4. Describe how chlorophyll levels (primary production) changes at high latitudes throughout the year (seasons). Identify any limiting factors for primary production.
5. According to Figure 3 and 4 (pages 3-4), whichseason(s) is chlorophyll levels (primary production) highest atmid-latitudes? Explain which physical conditions are present duringthat season that help create high chlorophyll levels.