(Lesson 6.03)
Analyze the map showing ocean currents around the world.

Which region is likely to have the most nutrients?

Question

(Lesson 6.03)
Analyze the map showing ocean currents around the world.

Which region is likely to have the most nutrients?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Upwelling brings deep, cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, so Region B is the best candidate.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Upwelling: vertical movement of deep ocean water to the surface that supplies nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, iron) that were concentrated in deep waters.  
- Cold currents and coastal/equatorial upwelling: wind-driven Ekman transport and divergence along coasts or the equator can cause surface water to be pushed away, allowing cold deep water to rise.  
- Warm surface waters tend to be nutrient-poor because strong stratification (a warm layer over cold deep water) prevents mixing.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
Step 1: Identify the type of current at each labeled region on the map. Region B is associated with a cold current/upwelling zone (blue striped arrows rising toward the surface).  
Step 2: Recall that upwelled deep water is nutrient-rich because decaying organic matter sinks and releases nutrients at depth.  
Step 3: Conclude that where cold, upwelling water reaches the surface, phytoplankton growth and nutrient availability are highest.

3) Intermediate steps / evidence from the map
- The map marks cold currents with blue striped arrows; at B those arrows indicate upward/mixing movement near the surface.  
- Regions marked with warm orange currents (like D) indicate surface warming and stable stratification, reducing nutrient supply.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
Region B is correct because it shows cold, upwelling water reaching the surface; this supplies nutrients that fuel primary productivity.

5) Why the other options are incorrect
- Region D (equator, warm water): warm equatorial surface waters are often nutrient-poor due to stratification; unless there is equatorial upwelling, warm currents do not bring deep nutrients.  
- Region C (Southern Hemisphere cold water): although cold, the map does not show upwelling or vertical nutrient supply there; not all cold regions produce strong surface nutrients.  
- Region A (near poles/glaciers): polar regions can be nutrient-rich seasonally, but ice cover and limited light often restrict productivity; the map specifically indicates B as the upwelling zone.

Conclusion: Region B, because cold water moves upward to the ocean surface, is the region most likely to have the most nutrients. This matches the provided correct answer.

(Lesson 6.03) Analyze the map showing ocean currents around the world. Which region is likely to have the most nutrients?单项选择题

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