There is generally more life found in the sunlit part of the ocean closer to the continents than there is in the open sea farther from the continents. Therefore, the open sea is sometimes called the blue dessert. Why is this?
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The reason there is generally more life found in the sunlit part of the ocean closer to the continents than in the open sea farther from the continents is due to several factors. Let me explain why this is the case:
1. Nutrient Availability: The ocean's sunlit areas near the continents receive more nutrients compared to the open sea. Rivers and currents wash nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the land into the ocean. These nutrients promote the growth of phytoplankton, which are the primary producers at the base of the marine food chain.
2. Sunlight: Phytoplankton require sunlight for photosynthesis, where they convert sunlight into energy. The sunlit part of the ocean, close to the continents, receives more sunlight because it is shallower and allows light to penetrate deeper. In contrast, the open sea is deeper, and sunlight is scattered and absorbed by the water, limiting photosynthesis.
3. Upwelling: Near the continents, there is often a phenomenon called upwelling, where cold, nutrient-rich waters rise from deeper layers to the surface. This upwelling brings additional nutrients, enhancing the productivity and supporting a diverse range of marine life.
4. Food Chain: The abundance of phytoplankton near the continents leads to a more substantial food supply for other organisms. Zooplankton, small fish, and other marine animals feed on the phytoplankton, creating a food chain that supports larger fish, marine mammals, and birds. This intricate ecosystem sustains a high level of biodiversity.
Due to the lower availability of nutrients and sunlight, the open sea, particularly in its deeper areas, has fewer primary producers and thus supports a smaller number of organisms. This is why the open sea is sometimes referred to as the "blue desert," as the lack of nutrients and lower biological productivity create a less diverse marine environment.