D4.3.5—Ocean current changes
Ocean warming can alter circulating currents and reduce nutrient upwelling, lowering primary productivity and food supply near the surface waters.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D4.3.5
- Level
- SL
Concept essentials
- Warmer surface water can strengthen stratification and reduce vertical mixing.
- Reduced upwelling limits nutrients available to surface phytoplankton.
- Changes in ocean currents can alter productivity and marine food-web support.
ConceptIB Biology SL