primary productivity

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primary productivity The amount of organic matter synthesized by organisms from inorganic substances. In the oceans, photosynthesis by phytoplanktonic algae in the upper 100m (the euphotic zone) accounts for most primary production. Waters of tropical areas are less productive than those of temperate regions, because in tropical areas the water column undergoes no seasonal vertical mixing. Areas of upwelling of nutrient-rich deep waters have high productivity.

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