|| Starpath online classroom || Glossary || Glossary Index || Home ||

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

upwelling The process by which water rises from a lower to a higher depth, usually as a result of divergence and offshore currents. Upwelling is most prominent where persistent wind blows parallel to a coastline so that the resultant wind-driven current sets away from the coast. Over the open ocean, upwelling occurs whenever the wind circulation is cyclonic, but is appreciable only in areas where that circulation is relatively permanent. It is also observable when the southern trade winds cross the equator.

[close window]