The vertical structure of the open ocean surface mixed layer.pptVIP

The vertical structure of the open ocean surface mixed layer Phytoplankton need light and nutrients for growth and reproduction Light comes from above, nutrients come from below In a layer near the surface – the euphotic zone – there is enough light for photosynthesis The process of supplying nutrients is dominated by ocean physics This lecture: the physical processes that affect the vertical structure of light, heat and nutrients required for phytoplankton primary production If there were no ocean physics to mix things Surface nutrients would be low (consumed) Deep nutrients would be high