Oceanic Nutrient Dynamics

Oceanic nutrient dynamics refer to how essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus move, transform, and are recycled within the ocean ecosystem. These nutrients support the growth of phytoplankton, the tiny plants that form the base of the marine food chain. They are supplied from sources such as runoff from land, deep ocean upwelling, and atmospheric deposition. Processes like biological uptake, decomposition, and mixing distribute and regulate nutrient availability, influencing ocean productivity and health. Understanding these dynamics helps us assess climate impacts, carbon cycling, and overall marine ecosystem stability.