Coastal Upwelling Facts by Brook Clearwater

Coastal upwelling, the process where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, is the focus of Coastal Upwelling Facts. This vital phenomenon fuels some of the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth, supporting abundant fisheries and influencing the ocean's carbon cycle.

The book explores how wind patterns and the Earth's rotation (Ekman transport) drive this upwelling, bringing essential nutrients to the surface. These nutrients then stimulate phytoplankton growth, which forms the base of the marine food web, sustaining everything from zooplankton and fish to marine mammals and seabirds.

The book uniquely integrates physical, biological, and socioeconomic dimensions to provide a complete understanding of these complex systems. Major upwelling regions like the Humboldt Current, the Benguela Current, and the California Current are examined, highlighting their geological settings and unique characteristics.

The book begins with oceanographic principles, then explores biological consequences and socioeconomic impacts, equipping readers with a holistic view of upwelling processes and their implications for environmental conservation and sustainable development.