ENV234H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Dissolved Organic Carbon, Epilimnion, Lake Superior
26 Nov 2016
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10 basic structure of aquatic ecosystems cont. Atlantic cold water sinks down to bottom of ocean, moves across arctic ocean to pacific. Just a model: when measuring current, it is not as simple as a conveyor ribbon. Winds able to go along shore and push surface water away from shore. Level of water must be balanced, so water that is pushed away must be replaced. Upwelling: colder and has much more nutrients: enriched water brings nutrients to surface and fuel algal production, photosynthesis can occur. Stronger upwelling at southern sides of globe: primary productivity highest at these areas. Wind (steadily) blows across surface, pushes warm water towards the other end. More warm water on one side, pushes thermocline lower. When wind is less steady, or stops, water rushes back, creates waves. Internal waves, affected by the bottom of the lake, etc: creates disturbances to organisms, not much friction between water.
