Which of the following conditions is primarily responsible for the cold water along the northern California coast in summer?
A)upwelling
B)cold air moving over the water
C)oceanic fronts
D)the California Current

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Upwelling is the process through which cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean rises to the surface, replacing the warmer surface water. Along the northern California coast, the northwesterly winds cause the Ekman transport, which creates a convergence of surface water. Therefore, the nutrient-rich, cold water rises to replace the surface water, leading to the cold water temperatures along the coast.

Which of the Following Conditions Is Primarily Responsible for the Cold