The ocean harbours a vast array of diverse habitats that support various types of organisms. While traditional climate maps are based on latitude, these zones alone cannot fully capture the intricate factors shaping ocean ecosystems. Ocean habitats are influenced by depth, distance from shore, and climate zones, creating a mosaic of interconnected environments.
Pelagic habitats exist within the water column itself, with sub-habitats defined by depth:
Coastal habitats are found near the shore, including intertidal zones, estuaries, coral reefs, and more.
Seafloor habitats, also known as benthic habitats, comprise various ecosystems found at the bottom of the ocean:
Several factors shape these habitats:
1. Depth: As depth increases, conditions change:
2. Distance from Shore: Nutrient levels can vary, while other factors remain relatively unchanged. Further from the shore, the distance to the sea floor makes it harder for plants to grow due to decreased light penetration.
3. Climate Zones: Climate influences coastal habitats significantly:
Ocean habitats are the product of a complex interplay between depth, distance from shore, and climate zones. While climate plays a significant role in determining the predominant habitats in a region, some overlap in habitat types may occur across different climate zones. Understanding these factors and their impact on marine ecosystems is crucial for preserving biodiversity and promoting the health of our oceans.
Science / Geography | Ages 7-11
Our Ocean Planet Science Geography ages 7-11 unit is a KS2 teacher resource. Students discover marine topics across both the UK and globally, developing ocean literacy.