Which mechanism limits biological productivity in stagnant, deep ocean basins cut off from surface circulation?

💡 Explanation

When deep basins are isolated, nutrient depletion occurs because the normal upwelling and mixing that replenishes nutrients from decomposing organic matter in the depths is prevented, limiting primary productivity. Therefore, nutrient depletion is the primary limiting factor, rather than irradiance, salinity, or predation, which rely on different environmental conditions.

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