In biology, upwelling is the process by which deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface of the ocean, often along the coastline. This occurs when the wind blows parallel to the coast and pushes the surface water away from the shore, allowing deeper water to rise to the surface.
Upwelling is an important process in the ocean because it brings nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface, where they can be used by phytoplankton and other small organisms. This, in turn, supports the growth of larger organisms such as fish, which depend on the phytoplankton as a food source. Upwelling also helps to cool the surface water and can have a significant impact on local climate and weather patterns.