Final answer:
Upwelling involves the rise of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface, not warm water, which makes the initial statement false. This process is essential for the productivity of marine ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that upwelling is a process in which warm, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean rises to the surface is FALSE. In fact, upwelling involves the movement of cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths to the surface. This process is driven by winds that blow across the ocean surface, pushing warmer surface waters away from shore and allowing the deeper, colder waters to rise. These rising waters are typically nutrient-rich because they come from depths where decomposing organic matter releases nutrients back into the water column.
Upwelling areas are often very productive in terms of biological activity since the influx of nutrients supports the growth of phytoplankton, which form the base of many marine food webs. Increased phytoplankton growth can lead to more food for a variety of marine organisms, supporting diverse and often unique ecosystems.