upwelling
UP-wel-ing
/ˈʌpˌwel.ɪŋ/
A oceanographic process in which deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises toward the surface of the ocean.
Focuses on the upward movement of water that fuels marine biological productivity by recycling nutrients.
The story behind the word. Compounded from English 'up' and 'well' (from Old English wellan, meaning to boil or spring forth like a spring of water). Describes deep ocean water springing upward.
Word relationships
- upward movement: Upward movement is generic motion, whereas upwelling specifies deep nutrient water moving to the surface.
- downwelling: Downwelling is the process where surface water sinks downward toward the sea floor.
Commonly confused with
- downwelling: Upwelling brings deep nutrient water up; downwelling forces surface water down.
Word family
- upwell (verb): To rise up from a lower level, as ocean water.
Collocations
- coastal upwelling
- upwelling zone
- strong upwelling
- upwelling event
Example sentences
- "Coastal upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the sunlit surface, feeding massive fish populations." Fisheries science
Memory hook
UP + WELLING: deep ocean water wells up like water rising in a deep well. Deep cold water rising up.
When not to use
Do not use for simple mechanical pumping of liquid on land.
Fun facts
- Upwelling zones account for less than 1 percent of the ocean surface area but produce over 50 percent of the world's commercial fish catch.
Related words
Explore more words
eutrophication, pelagic, acidification, overfishing, tide, marine
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