Describe the process of coastal upwelling. Why is an abundance of marine life associated with these areas?

Question

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Answer 1

Upwelling is the rising of cold water from deeper layers to replace warmer surface water. Coastal upwelling occurs in these areas when winds blow toward the equator and parallel to the coast. Coastal winds combined with the Coriolis effect cause surface water to move away from shore. As the surface layer moves away from the coast, it is replaced by water that "upwells" from below the surface. Upwelling brings greater concentrations of dissolved nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, to the ocean surface. These nutrient-enriched waters from below promote the growth of microscopic plankton, which in turn support extensive populations of fish and other marine organisms.