PELAGIC ZONE Meaning and
Definition
-
The pelagic zone is a term used in marine biology and oceanography to describe the open water area of the ocean that is not in direct contact with the ocean floor or the coast. It spans from the surface of the water down to the deepest parts of the ocean. This vast and diverse zone is divided into two sections: the epipelagic zone or the sunlit zone, and the mesopelagic zone or the twilight zone.
The epipelagic zone, which extends from the surface down to around 656 feet (200 meters), is the portion where sunlight penetrates and supports photosynthesis. It is home to a wide range of marine life, including microscopic phytoplankton, larger zooplankton, small fish, and marine mammals. The mesopelagic zone, which lies beneath the epipelagic zone and stretches to a depth of around 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), is characterized by reduced light penetration, resulting in limited photosynthesis. Consequently, most organisms in this zone either have bioluminescent adaptations or feed on organic material falling from above.
The pelagic zone is distinct from the benthic zone, which refers to the ocean floor and its associated sediments and organisms. It is a vital part of the marine ecosystem, contributing significantly to the global carbon cycle and providing habitat for a wide variety of species. Researchers study the pelagic zone to better understand its biodiversity, ecological relationships, and the impact of human activities such as fishing and pollution.
Common Misspellings for PELAGIC ZONE
- oelagic zone
- lelagic zone
- 0elagic zone
- pwlagic zone
- pslagic zone
- pdlagic zone
- prlagic zone
- p4lagic zone
- p3lagic zone
- pekagic zone
- pepagic zone
- peoagic zone
- pelzgic zone
- pelsgic zone
- pelwgic zone
- pelqgic zone
- pelafic zone
- pelavic zone
- pelabic zone
- pelahic zone
Etymology of PELAGIC ZONE
The word pelagic is derived from the Greek word pelagos, meaning open sea or sea. The term pelagic zone refers to the ecological zone of the open ocean, thus reflecting the origin of the word pelagic.
