Marine and Climate Zones: Ocean Layers, Biomes, and Weather Patterns

abyssal zone

The deep ocean layer, very dark, cold, and high pressure, home to few organisms

bathyal zone

The ocean layer between the continental shelf and the abyssal zone, dimly lit

biome

A large area with similar climate, plants, and animals

climate

The usual weather patterns in an area over a long time

coastal zone

The area where land meets the ocean, often rich in life

cultural eutrophication

Pollution-caused nutrient increase in water that leads to too many algae

delta

Land formed at the mouth of a river from deposited sediment

El Niño-Southern Oscillation

A climate pattern that changes ocean temperatures and weather globally

euphotic zone

The upper ocean layer where sunlight reaches and photosynthesis occurs

eutrophic lakes

Nutrient-rich lakes with lots of algae and plant growth

greenhouse effect

Warming of Earth caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere

Hadley cell

A circulation pattern of air that moves heat from the equator to the subtropics

heat islands

Urban areas that are hotter than surrounding rural areas due to human activity

microclimate

The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the surrounding region

Oligotropic

A body of water that is low in nutrients

permafrost

Soil that stays frozen year-round

rain shadow effect

Dry area on the leeward side of a mountain caused by blocked rain

salinity

The amount of salt in water