Features of the distribution of the organic world of the Indian Ocean. Organic world of the Indian Ocean. Indian Ocean exploration. Flora and fauna of the Indian Ocean
Physical geography of continents and oceans
OCEANS
INDIAN OCEAN
Features of the organic world of the Indian Ocean
"The fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean have similarity with the organic world of the Pacific Ocean, which is explained by the wide exchange between these oceans through the seas and straits of the Indonesian archipelago” (O.K. Leontiev).
Particularly rich in organic life tropical part Indian Ocean, mainly coastal areas and shallow waters of the marginal and inland seas of the northern and northeastern parts of the ocean, as well as off the northeastern coast of Africa. At the same time, the tropical “ocean desert” in the southern hemisphere stands out for its minimal productivity.
Constantly warm waters ah colonies are widespread coral polyps and coral structures various types. Occurs widely on low-lying coasts and river mouths mangrove The bushes with their distinctive flora and fauna are very characteristic communities for the tidal zones of the Indian Ocean. Exceptionally rich plankton tropical part of the ocean (unicellular algae, mollusks, jellyfish, some crustaceans) serves as food for fish(tuna, sharks) and marine reptiles (sea snakes, giant turtles, etc.).
Thanks to intensive vertical mixing Water areas located in the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere are also rich in plankton, but with a slightly different species composition. Their fauna also includes some large mammals (pinnipeds, cetaceans), the numbers of which have greatly decreased over many years of intensive fishing. Currently, fisheries in the Indian Ocean are much less developed than in others, and are mainly of a consumer nature, especially in coastal areas. Whaling in the South Indian Ocean is virtually discontinued, the remaining species of whales - sperm whales and sei whales - are placed under international protection.
The main source of widely used natural resources, the origin of which is connected with the history of the development of the northern part of the Indian Ocean, is the oil and gas basin of the Persian Gulf - one of the largest in the world.
- Pacific Ocean
- Indian Ocean
- Ocean floor, mid-ocean ridges and transition zones
- Features of the organic world
- Atlantic Ocean
- Ocean floor, Mid-Atlantic Ridge and transition zones
- Arctic Ocean
- Ocean floor, mid-ocean ridges and transition zone
Look nature photography various continents and countries of the world (with geographical and biological semantic captions for photographs) can be found in sections.
Life in the world's oceans is extremely rich, but marine flora is much poorer than on land. However, it is of no small importance in the endless cycle of substances. In total, there are approximately 10 thousand species of plants: various herbs, algae, shrubs, mangroves, bacteria, and lower fungi in slightly smaller quantities. All of them participate in the endless cycle of substances in the ocean. Assimilating waste products contained in bottom sediments and water, they are at the same time suitable for use as food by many living organisms.
The ocean fauna includes approximately 160 thousand species of living creatures.
Below in this article the organic world of the Pacific Ocean will be presented in more detail.
general information
The vast World Ocean is divided by continents into several separate oceans. Each of them has unique features formed by nature.
The ocean, as an environment with life developing and spreading in it, is very different from land. This is due to the fact that the aquatic environment in it has a relatively constant salt composition, almost unchanged in time and space.
This property contributed to the preservation of some representatives of ancient geological eras in the World Ocean. This is especially true for great depths with low water temperatures. For example, urchins, starfish and sea lilies, which lived in the ancient Paleozoic.
Before we introduce the organic world of the Pacific Ocean, let us briefly describe this greatest, largest natural body of water in the world.
Pacific Ocean
The world's largest ocean by area is both the deepest and the oldest of all oceans existing today. Its main features are frequent movements of the earth's crust, enormous depths, a large number of volcanoes at the bottom, and huge reserves of heat in its waters. In this regard, the ocean also has an exceptional diversity of the organic world.
It is not for nothing that it is called the Great, because its area is a third of the Earth’s territory and almost half the surface area of the entire World Ocean. The Great Pond divides the shores of 5 continents. It is especially wide at the equator, which is why the Pacific Ocean is the warmest on the surface, the organic world of which feels quite comfortable in its waters.
There are a huge variety of seas, including shelf ones, located on the shallows of continents with shallow depths (up to 100 meters). Some seas are located in the zone of interaction of lithospheric plates. They are quite deep and separated from the ocean by island arcs.
The Pacific Ocean is unique and original. Its organic world is rich in endemics and giants. Many species of fish live here that are not preserved in other oceans. These are endemic mammals such as sea otters, fur seals and sea lions.
General description of the organic world of the Pacific Ocean
A huge natural reservoir occupies vast territories located in different zones of the Earth, which contributes to the formation of different conditions for the development of life. In the ocean, a certain zonality is expressed in the distribution of fauna and flora. The plankton here is represented by small crustaceans and single-celled algae (more than 1,300 species in total).
The Pacific Ocean is relatively rich in organic matter. The organic world of its bottom consists of approximately 29 species of grasses and 4 thousand species of algae.
Low temperatures and enormous pressure at great depths reduce the composition of animal species and force them to adapt to such difficult living conditions. For example, at a depth of 8500 meters, only 45 species live, which are sedentary and work as “filters.” They pass through their stomach a huge amount of silt, which is the main source of nutrition at such depths.
Fur seals, whales, and sea beavers live in the ocean (the latter live only in the Pacific Ocean).
Composition of the organic world by area
More than 1,000 species of microorganisms found in plankton have been found in the surface layer of the Pacific Ocean alone. In terms of the species composition of organisms, one of the richest is the Sea of Japan, located in the temperate zone.
In cold and temperate latitudes, brown algae develop well; in the southern latitudes, giant algae (macrocystis) grows up to 200 meters in length. Large green and red limestone algae from the coral family are common in tropical areas. The latter, in combination with coral polyps, form reefs.
In the northern parts of the ocean, giant oysters and mussels predominate, and the equatorial zone is favored by the huge bivalves tridacniform mollusks, whose weight can reach up to 300 kg.
Life in the ocean is rich, especially on coral reefs in equatorial and tropical latitudes. The northern waters of the ocean are rich in salmon fish, the southeast (off the coast South America) - huge accumulations of a wide variety of fish. The water masses here are very fertile. Animal and plant plankton develop well in them, which is an excellent food for anchovies, horse mackerel, mackerel and other types of fish. And the latter, in turn, feed on penguins, cormorants and pelicans.
For comparison, a little about the Indian Ocean
The organic world of the Pacific and Indian Oceans is similar, since the nature of the second has many common features with the Pacific Ocean.
The Indian Ocean is distinguished by its unique position. Most of it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the northern part is limited to the Eurasian continent, and therefore it has no connection with the harsh Arctic Ocean.
Its organic world is especially similar to the animal and plant world of the western Pacific Ocean. Its tropical water masses are also rich in plankton (especially a lot of unicellular algae). The species of fish are numerous and varied: mackerel, sardinella, sharks, etc. White-blooded fish (icefish, etc.) live in the southern part. Shelf areas and shallow waters near coral reefs are especially rich. Here thickets of algae create vast underwater meadows. Giant sea turtles and snakes live in the waters of the warm Indian Ocean. Among the shellfish there are many squids and cuttlefish. Whales and seals live closer to Antarctica.
Conclusion
The Pacific Ocean is large and rich. Its organic world as a whole is distinguished by species richness, antiquity and a high degree of endemism.
More than 1/2 of the living creatures of the entire World Ocean on the planet are concentrated in its waters. This applies to both the animal world and plants. And this explains huge size, age and diversity of natural conditions.
In the area of the Indonesian archipelago.
The position of most of the Indian Ocean in the zone from tropical to creates favorable climatic and hydrological conditions for the development of a diverse organic world. The ocean as a whole is characterized by low bioproductivity - 35-40 kg/km2.
The Indian Ocean has two biogeographic regions - tropical and temperate. The tropical region is characterized by exceptional plankton richness. The bloom of the unicellular alga Trichodesmium is especially abundant, as a result of which the surface layer of water becomes cloudy and changes color. Phytobenthos is represented by brown algae, sargassum, turbinaria; green algae include abundant caulerpa.
Of the higher plants, there are thickets of sea grass Poseidonia. A special phytocenosis is formed in coastal zones by mangroves, typical of the Indian Ocean.
Zoobenthos is characterized by a variety of mollusks, calcareous and siliceous sponges, echinoderms (sea urchin, brittle star, sea cucumber), numerous crustaceans, bryozoans, etc. Zoobenthos on shelves is especially rich (500 g/m3). It includes many valuable commercial species (lobsters, shrimps). Clusters of crustaceans line the shores. Among the shellfish in these areas, there are many cuttlefish and squid.
The ichthyofauna of the ocean is rich and diverse. The shelf zone is inhabited by sardinella, mackerel, anchovy, mackerel, reef and rock bass. In the open waters of the ocean there is an abundance of tuna, coryphaena, which are of great commercial importance.
In tropical waters there are many sharks, giant sea turtles, sea snakes and flying fish, and swordfish are also found. The tropical zone of the Indian Ocean is one of the areas where coral polyps and reef structures classically develop.
The temperate region is characterized by red and brown algae, mainly from the Fucus and Laminaria groups.
Cetaceans are widely represented in temperate waters: toothless and blue whales, as well as seals, elephant seals, and dugong. The richness of cetaceans in these latitudes is explained by intense vertical mixing of waters, which creates exceptional favorable conditions for the development of planktonic organisms, which are the main food product of blue and toothless whales. Notothenia and white-blooded fish live in these same waters, forming large commercial aggregations.
The waters of the Indian Ocean are home to many organisms that glow at night: ctenophores, some species of jellyfish, and peridinea. Brightly colored siphonophores, including poisonous physalia, have become widespread. There are also many foraminifera, and the waters contain an abundance of pteropods. As in other oceans, organic life in the Indian Ocean is extremely unevenly distributed. First of all, it should be noted the high productivity of coastal waters, primarily in the Red and Arabian Seas, the Persian, Aden and Bengal Bays, where primary production is 250-500 mg/m2. The tropical “oceanic” one stands out sharply in the Southern Hemisphere and the central regions of the Arabian and Bengal Bays, characterized by primary production of 35-100 mg/m2. As in the Pacific Ocean, the value of primary production increases sharply in water areas adjacent to oceanic ones. Its values are especially high on coral reefs.
Data on primary production and overall estimates of biomass in the Indian Ocean indicate that it is no poorer than in the Pacific. However, the annual global fish catch in the Indian Ocean is 9 million tons, which indicates that the use of its fish resources is still weak. In the open waters of the tropical Indian Ocean, there is only one type of industrial fishing - tuna fishing. According to estimates, fish catching without undermining the renewal base can reach 10-14 million tons per year. Therefore, the Indian Ocean can be considered as a significant reserve for the world's marine fisheries.
Exploring the ocean coastline. Robert Edwin Peary on the USS Roosevelt. What makes the organic world of the ocean unique? I don't know. Fridtjof Nansen on his way to the North Pole. My knowledge about the ocean. Conclusion about the reasons for the formation of the ocean. History of the study. Continue the sentences. Organic world. Polar bear. Economic use. Sailing of the Russian-Swedish expedition under the leadership of A. Nordenskiöld.
“Waters of the Atlantic Ocean” - Geographical tasks. Hypothesis. Economic use. Interaction between the ocean, atmosphere and land. The structure of the oceanic basin. There are almost no deep-sea trenches in the Atlantic Ocean. Interesting Facts. Ridge length. Atlantic Ocean. Surface temperature distribution. North Atlantic. Geographical position. Dimensions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Between which continents is the Atlantic Ocean located?
“Northern Ocean” - on February 13, 1934, the ship was crushed by ice. Hummocks. The ice layer can reach 20 m. 100 crew members, including women and children, got into trouble. Icebergs. sea ice. Types of ice. Arctic Ocean. Ridges of ice blocks. Fast ice. "Chelyuskin" in the Arctic ice. Photo of the Arctic Ocean from space. Drifting (pack). The ocean is in danger.
“Waters of the Indian Ocean” - Characteristics of waters. In summer the temperature here reaches 10-22°C, and in winter - 6-17°C. There are few islands. Large islands are located only on the border of the ocean. Among the invertebrates there are numerous pteropods, as well as jellyfish and squid. Natural resources have not been studied enough. In summer, the temperature over the ocean is 28-32°C, in winter it drops to 18-22°C. The third climate zone lies between the 30th and 45th parallel, in subtropical and temperate latitudes.
"Oceans of the Earth" - Currents in the Indian Ocean. The importance of the Pacific Ocean in human life. Organic world of the Atlantic Ocean. The significance of the Arctic Ocean. Triple connection. Currents in the ocean. Organic world of the Indian Ocean. Features of the climate of the Pacific Ocean. Indian Ocean. The meaning of the Atlantic Ocean. Flora and fauna of the ocean. Features of the climate of the Arctic Ocean. Relief of the ocean floor. Organic world of the Pacific Ocean.
“Description of the Arctic Ocean” - History of ocean exploration. Information about nature. Research methods. Geographical position. Secrets of nature. Part of the ocean. Features of nature. Powerful flow of warm waters. Arctic Ocean. Ice removal. Ocean. Polar explorers. A large amount of material has been accumulated. Two natural zones. Aircraft. Biological riches. The first seafarers.
Climate and hydrological regime of the Indian Ocean. Hydrological resources.
Climate. There are 4 climates in the region. belts Influenced by Asians. continent in the north. parts Ind. In the ocean, a monsoon climate is established with frequent cyclones moving towards the coasts. High atm. pressure over Asia in winter causes the formation of NE. monsoon. In summer it gives way to a humid southwest. a monsoon carrying air from the southern regions of the ocean. During the summer monsoon there are often winds exceeding force 7. In summer the temp. over the ocean=28-32 °C, in winter 18-22 °C. To the south tropics gentlemen southeast Passat, cat. in winter time does not extend north of 10°N. Wed.
Posted on ref.rf
year. temp.= 25 °C. In the zone 40-45°S. throughout the year - zap. air transfer wt. In zap. Hurricanes occur in parts of the ocean (up to 8 times a year), in the regions of Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands. In the subtrop. and died.
Posted on ref.rf
lat.
Posted on ref.rf
in summer the temperature is 10-22 °C, and in winter - 6-17 °C. Strong winds are typical from 45 degrees and south. In winter, the temperature here ranges from −16 °C to 6 °C, and in summer - from −4 °C to 10 °C. Max. amount of precipitation (2.5 thousand mm) – in the east. equator region.
Posted on ref.rf
zones. The least amount of precipitation is observed in the trails. district south hemispheres.
Hydrological regime. Winter: South-West. monsoon. flow, beginning in the Bay of Bengal. South of 10°N. this current moves to the West. current Then it branches: 1 branch goes to the north. to the Red Sea, 2- south to 10°S. and, turning east, gives rise to the Equatorial Countercurrent. The latter crosses the ocean and, off the coast of Sumatra, is again divided into a part that goes into the Andaman Sea and the main branch, which between the Lesser Sunda Islands and Australia goes to the Pacific Ocean. The summer monsoon current begins off the coast of Africa with the powerful Somali Current, which is joined by a current from the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aden area. In the Bay of Bengal, the summer monsoon current splits to the north.
Posted on ref.rf
and south., ĸᴏᴛᴏᴩᴏᴇ flows into South. Trade wind current. South Passat. The current crosses the ocean from the east. to the west to Madagascar. Near Madagascar South. Passat. the current branches, giving rise to the Equatorial Countercurrent, the Mozambique and Madagascar Currents. Merging southwest of Madagascar, they form the warm Agulhas Current. South part of this flow goes to the Atlantic. the ocean, and part of it flows into the flow of the West. winds. On the approach to Australia, the cold moves north from the latter. Western Australian Current.
Temperature, salinity of water. In the equatorial zone, the surface water temperature is about 28°C all year round. High winter water temperatures (up to 29 °C) are typical for the coasts of northwestern Australia. Pace. water below 0 °C in years. time is marked south of 60°S. Ice formation in these areas begins in April and the thickness of fast ice reaches 1-1.5 m by the end of winter. By March, the waters are completely cleared of fast ice. To the south Icebergs are common in parts of the ocean.
Max. salinity of waters in the Persian Gulf. and the Red Sea, where it = 40-41 ‰. High salinity (more than 36 ‰) is also observed in the south. trope. belt and the Arabian Sea. Low salinity (less than 34 ‰) is typical for Arctic waters, where the strong desalinating effect of melted glacial waters is felt.
Flora and fauna Ind. OK. extraordinarily varied. Tropical The area is distinguished by the richness of plankton. The unicellular algae Trichodesmium (a type of Cyanobacterium) is especially abundant, due to which the surface layer of water becomes very cloudy and changes its color. Plankton Ind. the ocean is different big number organisms that glow at night: peridines, some types of jellyfish, ctenophores, tunicates. Brightly colored siphonophores are abundant, incl. poisonous phasalia. In temperate and arctic waters, the main representatives of plankton are copepods, eufuazides and diatoms. The most numerous fish of the Indian Ocean are coryphens, tunas, nototheniids and various sharks. Among reptiles there are several species of giant sea turtles, sea snakes, and among mammals there are cetaceans (toothless and blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins), seals, and elephant seals. Most cetaceans live in temperate and subpolar regions, where intensive mixing of waters creates favorable conditions for the development of planktonic organisms. Birds are represented by albatross and frigatebirds, as well as several species of penguins, inhabiting the coasts of South Africa, Antarctica and islands lying in the temperate zone of the ocean.
Flora Ind. The ocean is represented by brown (sargassum, turbinaria) and green algae (caulerna). The calcareous algae lithothamnia and halimeda also develop luxuriantly, which participate together with corals in the construction of reef structures. During the activity of rift-forming organisms, coral platforms are created, sometimes reaching a width of several kilometers. Typical for the coastal zone of the Indian Ocean is the phytocenosis formed by mangroves. Such thickets are especially characteristic of river mouths and occupy significant areas in Southeast Africa, Western Madagascar, Southeast Asia and other areas. For temperate and Antarctic waters, the most characteristic are red and brown algae, mainly from the fucus and kelp groups, porphyry, and gelidium. Giant macrocystis are found in the polar regions of the southern hemisphere.
Zoobenthos is represented by a variety of mollusks, calcareous and flint sponges, echinoderms (urchins, starfish, brittle stars, sea cucumbers), numerous crustaceans, hydroids, and bryozoans. Coral polyps are widespread in the tropical zone.
Organic world of the Indian Ocean. Biological resources. - concept and types. Classification and features of the category "Organic world of the Indian Ocean. Biological resources." 2017, 2018.