Which effect limits phytoplankton blooms despite nutrient-rich upwelling in certain ocean regions?

💡 Explanation

When macro-nutrients are abundant, iron (Fe) limits phytoplankton blooms because it's necessary for chlorophyll synthesis and enzymatic functions. Therefore, iron limitation inhibits growth, rather than light reduction, grazing, or silica depletion which affect populations when iron is sufficient.

• Which mechanism reduces deep ocean nutrient upwelling during an El Niño event?
• Which mechanism explains why major global deserts often appear ~30° latitude from the equator?
• Which effect results when lithospheric plates shift along a transform boundary?
• Which process most directly forms narrow, steep-sided fjords along coastlines over geological timescales?
• Which outcome results from increased mantle dehydration during subduction?
• Which erosional feature primarily forms adjacent to playas because of prevailing winds?