During those same months, the Southern Hemisphere is at the height of winter because it only receives dispersed sunlight. To introduce this activity, review seasonal change on landmasses by accessing the images above . Also discuss which of these factors may influence ocean primary productivity, seen in ocean color images as chlorophyll concentration. Make sure that all three regions are explored by the class. The seasonal variability in sunlight is addressed in the material above .
Nutrients accumulate in deeper waters because of gravity.
When transported to the surface, these cold, nutrient-rich waters stimulate phytoplankton growth. Here are some processes by which deeper waters rise to the sea surface. Then deep, cold, nutrient-rich waters upwell to replace it. With these concepts in mind, have students examine wind data for their regions.