Question

1.(1) Sketch the vertical profile of dissolved phosphate (PO why it has that shape. ) in the ocean and briefly explain

Answer 1

PO (Mg-atoms/L) 1000- 2000 3000 4000L Vertical profile of dissolved phosphate in the ocean.

As we can see the levels of phosphate near the ocean surface is low compared to the depths of the ocean. This is so because near the surface, phytoplanktons consume nutrients (phosphate). Hence low phosphate concentration.

As we go further deep, the organisms that consume the phytoplanktons carry it to the depths of the ocean where it is released. This causes the concentration of the phosphate to almost stabilise as we go down the depths.