Impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems

Disruption of Marine Food Webs

The impact on marine ecosystems due to changes in ocean circulation and temperature.

Ocean Circulation

The movement of ocean water that transports heat, nutrients, and oxygen between different water layers.

Nutrient Exchange

The process by which nutrients and oxygen are transferred between surface and deep ocean waters.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic aquatic organisms that form the base of the marine food web and rely on nutrients from deep waters.

Food Chain

A hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.

Ecosystem Collapse

The failure of an ecosystem due to the decline of key species, leading to a loss of biodiversity and function.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns that affect marine environments and species distribution.

Geographic Distribution

The natural arrangement of various species across different regions, influenced by environmental factors.

Poleward Migration

The movement of aquatic species towards the poles in response to rising ocean temperatures.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which can be affected by climate change.

Ecosystem Composition

The makeup of different species within an ecosystem, which can be altered by environmental changes.

Local Extinction

The disappearance of a species from a specific area, often due to habitat loss or inability to adapt.

Cool Spots

Areas in the ocean that remain cooler than surrounding waters, providing refuge for some species.

Adaptation

The process by which species adjust to changes in their environment to survive and reproduce.