Question

In an exploratory analysis of nutrient availability and productivity in U.S. coastal regions, which question relates to the apparent relationship between nutrient availability and productivity?

A) What is the apparent relationship between nitrogen availability and phosphorus availability?
B) Are there any notable differences in available nutrients among U.S. coastal regions?
C) Does productivity vary geographically in some way based on the 2010 data?
D) How does primary productivity in California coastal waters change seasonally in 2010?

Answer 1

To explore the relationship between nutrient availability and productivity in U.S. coastal regions, one should look at how geographic differences in nutrient availability, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, correspond to variations in biological activity and primary productivity in those areas. The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the apparent relationship between nutrient availability and productivity in U.S. coastal regions. To address this inquiry, one might consider how variables like nitrogen and phosphorus levels impact the biological activity in these ecosystems, such as phytoplankton population growth and net primary productivity.

Factors like runoff from surrounding land, which increases dissolved nutrients near shorelines, or processes like ocean upwelling, which recycles deep ocean nutrients, significantly influence productivity. Conversely, areas with low nutrient availability generally show low primary productivity.

Therefore, the relevant question that pertains to the relationship between nutrient availability and productivity is: Option C: 'Does productivity vary geographically in some way based on the 2010 data?'

This question captures the essence of exploring how geographic differences in nutrient availability might correlate with variations in productivity across different coastal regions.