OCS 1005 Chapter : Ch 13 Oceanography Homework
15 Mar 2019
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13 homework: discuss chemosynthesis as a method of primary productivity. Primary productivity is the rate energy is stored by living creatures through the formation of organic matter. Chemosynthesis is a type of primary productivity in which energy is derived from chemical reactions, and is significant in supporting hydrothermal vent communities along spreading centers in the ocean. Photosynthesis generates energy based off solar radiation and is much more significant than chemo, with 99. 9% of ocean"s biomass relying on this type of production: another important determinant of productivity is the availability of solar radiation. Tropical regions have a defined, permanent thermocline, which prevents the mixing of deep nutrient rich water with the surface water (upwelling). Solar radiation can only reach depths of about 1 kilometer, even in the clearest waters, and therefore photosynthesis is indeed restricted to the surface waters and sea floor in very shallow waters.
