Question

1. analysis of the continental shelf

why is the neritic zone (the water above the continental shelf) considered the most productive part of the ocean? give two reasons related to nutrients and sunlight.
1.
2.

Explanation:

1. Sunlight penetrates the shallow neritic zone, reaching the seafloor, which supports photosynthesis by phytoplankton— the base of the marine food web, enabling high primary productivity.
2. Nutrients are continuously replenished here: runoff from land carries terrestrial nutrients, and upwelling currents bring nutrient-rich deep ocean water to the surface, fueling abundant phytoplankton growth.

Answer:

1. Shallow depth allows full sunlight penetration, supporting widespread photosynthesis by phytoplankton, the foundation of productive food webs.
2. Constant nutrient input from coastal runoff and upwelling currents provides abundant resources for phytoplankton and subsequent marine life.