El Niño is a phenomenon that impedes warm water to move westward and upwellings events. The kelp forest ecosystem is negatively affected by the rise in water temperature, lack of nutrients, and consequent effects.
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<h3><u>kelp forest</u></h3>
The kelp forest is a large population of brown algae that live in marine cool and relatively shallow waters rich in nutrients.
The population density is so high that they are considered to be marine forests, accomplishing many ecosystemic services, such as
- releasing a significant amount of O₂,
- protecting the coasts from waves erosion, and
- decreasing acidification.
They are shelter and source of food for many different species, becoming one of the most diverse and productive habitats.
<h3><u /></h3><h3><u>El Niño Event</u></h3><h3><u /></h3>
The El Nino Southern Oscillation -ENSO- phenomenon occurs due to a complex system of climatic oscillations between the ocean and the atmosphere.
This phenomenon causes significant perturbations in the usual pluvial regimens in the tropics. It provokes
• dry seasons in areas where it usually rains
• rainy seasons in desertic regions.
ENSO phenomenon is dominant in the global climate system.
Under El Niño conditions
- A tropical and weak stream in the Pacific acquires strength while the opposite streams debilitate.
- This change impedes warm water go westward, remaining on America's west coasts.
- Upwelling does not occur on the America's coasts. In some regions, temperatures rise, and unusual precipitations occur in desertic or dry areas -Atacama desert-.
- Other affected areas are Eastsouth Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, where there are fewer precipitations and cooler temperatures. Rainfall drops below the average, affecting crops and livestock.
<h3><u /></h3><h3><u>Effect of warmer temperatures on the kelp forest </u></h3><h3><u /></h3>
The kelp forest is very sensitive to temperature changes. As a fact, the forest distribution depends on temperature as a limiting factor.
El Niño event has a damaging influence on these forests, not only because they reduce the availability of nutrients but also because they produce a significant change in water temperature.
Ocean warming negatively impacts algae reproduction, growth, and survivorship.
Algae are damaged by the temperature rise to the point of being eliminated.
Associated species composing the marine ecosystem are affected too since they have no refuge, food and live in environments with a higher concentration of CO₂, lower O₂, and more acidification.
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You can learn ore about El niño event at
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