Photic zone

The photic zone is the surface layer of the oceans or bodies of water. This area has enough light for organisms to carry out the photosynthesis process . In the ocean, about 90% of life can be found and developed within this area. The depth of this zone can vary enormously, depending on a number of different factors. It is also called the euphotic zone , and in it we can find all those organisms that need light to obtain energy, along with organisms that depend on these organisms for their sustenance. This includes plants ,bacteria , algae and many animals that live in the sea. Some inhabitants of this area have developed creative adaptations such as pigments that help them use sunlight more effectively, so that they can survive in lower light levels. Scientists are very interested in the photic zone as it can provide important information about the health of the ocean . The protection of this area is important for the fishing industry and other industries that use the ocean and for the survival of the environment in general.

Characteristics of the photic zone

Among the main characteristics of the marine photic zone we can mention the following:

• The microorganisms that inhabit this area represent a significant percentage of the world’s carbon dioxide consumption , they breathe oxygen as a waste product and thus help to keep the composition of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere stable .
• In the photic zone you can find enough light that penetrates the water so that photosynthesis can be carried out. Because photosynthesis occurs in this place, we can find more than 90 percent of all marine life that inhabits the sea.
• In this area is where we can find plankton , important for the food chain of the oceans.
• The term photic is a derivative of the word photon , which means a particle of light .
• In tropical waters that are more transparent, the euphotic zone can extend to a depth of 80 meters.
• Sunlight does not penetrate that closely in the area of ​​the poles , so in these areas the euphotic zone can be less than 10 meters deep.
• The waters murky and muddy may have a euphotic zone only a few centimeters deep.
• Most of the ocean’s nutrients are produced in the sunlit area. These nutrients will provide food for the creatures that live beyond the zone. Then those who live in areas dispoticas and aphotic can continue to live eating any material to flow into their regions.
• The temperature in the area can vary. These variations will depend on the season and the month . In the month of July and during the winter, the temperature reaches around 22 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, in January and in the summer season, the temperature can rise up to 27 degrees Celsius.
• The rate of rain in the area varies and you will get additional water from the rain depending on the month it happens. So usually between the months of April to October, rain is around 1 meter because it is the dry season . But in the rainy season , which occurs in the months of November and March, the precipitation can be around 2 meters.

Fauna of the photic zone

The photic zone is filled with sunlight creating perfect conditions for marine life . The temperature that provides the warmth of the sun along with the pressure of the water of the ocean is suitable for many creatures. For this reason, many marine animals find it easy to adapt in the area. There are a large number of marine animals that can live in the sunlit or photic zone. These aquatic animals include all kinds of jellyfish , whales , fish, and even sharks.. Most of these creatures also find a way to adapt to the area. The upper part of their bodies is darker than the lower in order to prevent predators from chasing them.

Flora of the photic zone

A wide variety of ocean vegetation types and all types of plants can grow in the sunlit area. These plants include seaweed , plankton , and even mangroves . The body structure of these plants is already modified to allow them to float in the area. In addition, they have that special ability to carry out photosynthesis and for this reason they also serve as a diet for marine animals.