Final answer:
The rain-shadow effect is when moist air rises over a mountain causing it to release precipitation on the windward side, creating a dry area on the leeward side. Aquatic life zones are different habitats in bodies of water with specific conditions that support a variety of species. Estuaries are semi-enclosed coastal areas where freshwater meets saltwater, while marine snow refers to organic particles falling from the ocean's surface. Eutrophication is the excessive enrichment of water with nutrients leading to harmful algal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Rain-shadow effect:
The rain-shadow effect is a phenomenon that occurs when moist air from an ocean or sea rises over a mountain range causing it to cool and release precipitation on the windward side. As the air descends on the leeward side of the mountain, it becomes dry and creates a rain shadow with little or no rainfall.
2. Aquatic life zones:
Aquatic life zones refer to the different habitats or ecosystems found in bodies of water, including oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. These zones are characterized by specific environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and depth, and support a wide variety of plant and animal species adapted to those conditions.
3. Estuary:
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. Estuaries are highly productive and serve as important nurseries for many aquatic species. They are characterized by fluctuations in salinity due to the mixing of freshwater and saltwater.
4. Marine Snow:
Marine snow refers to a continuous shower of organic particles or detritus that falls from the upper layers of the ocean to the deeper zones. These particles can include dead organisms, fecal matter, and other organic material. Marine snow plays a crucial role in the marine food web by providing a source of nutrients for organisms living in the deeper regions of the ocean.
5. Eutrophication:
Eutrophication is a process in which a body of water becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This excessive growth can harm the ecosystem by depleting oxygen levels, leading to the death of other organisms. It is often caused by human activities such as the discharge of agricultural fertilizers or wastewater into water bodies.
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