NERITIC ZONE Meaning and
Definition
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The neritic zone is a term used in marine biology to describe a specific region of the ocean that extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf. It is the shallowest part of the ocean and covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface. This zone is characterized by its proximity to land, typically reaching depths of up to 200 meters (660 feet).
The neritic zone is known for its high productivity and diverse marine life. It is often referred to as the "continental zone" due to its close association with the continental shelf. The water in this region is relatively warm, receiving sunlight that allows for the growth of photosynthetic organisms such as algae and seaweeds. These primary producers form the base of the food chain, supporting a wide range of species including fish, crustaceans, and various invertebrates.
In the neritic zone, there are also significant nutrient inputs from land and upwelling currents which bring nutrients from deeper waters to the surface. These nutrients enhance the productivity and biological diversity of the area, making it a hotspot for commercial fishing and recreational activities such as snorkeling and diving.
While the neritic zone is relatively shallow, it is still influenced by many physical forces including wave action, tides, and currents. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem and determining the distribution and abundance of marine organisms within this zone.
Common Misspellings for NERITIC ZONE
- beritic zone
- meritic zone
- jeritic zone
- heritic zone
- nwritic zone
- nsritic zone
- ndritic zone
- nrritic zone
- n4ritic zone
- n3ritic zone
- neeitic zone
- neditic zone
- nefitic zone
- netitic zone
- ne5itic zone
- ne4itic zone
- nerutic zone
- nerjtic zone
- nerktic zone
- nerotic zone
Etymology of NERITIC ZONE
The word "neritic" comes from the Greek word "neritos", which means "inhabiting the shallow sea", and the Greek suffix "-ic", which means "pertaining to". Therefore, "neritic" refers to something related to or belonging to shallow seas. The term "zone" refers to an area or region. Hence, the term "neritic zone" describes the region or area of shallow seas near the coastlines.
Similar spelling word for NERITIC ZONE
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