The friction produced by winds blowing towards the equator on the ocean's surface, together with the effect of the earth's rotation, cause water in the surface layer to move away from the western coast of continental land masses. This offshore moving water is replaced by water which upwells, or flows toward the surface from depths of 50 to 100 meters and more. Users can view an illustration and read ... Full description.

This site uses satellite imagery and text to show how wind-driven upwelling in ocean waters off the coasts of Peru and Northwest Africa provides nutrients that support some of the world's richest fisheries. Full description.

Users can access an extensive array of information on coral reefs. Materials presented here include information on reefs in 131 countries, maps and photos, data on coral bleaching, an online mapping system, a bibliography of reef-related references, and downloadable datasets. Full description.

As part of this activity, students look in their own homes for foods that contain ingredients derived from seaweed . The activity points out that seaweeds are not really weeds but large forms of marine algae, and that seaweed derivatives are used in a large variety of foods and household products. Objectives, a list of materials, instructions, and a take-home worksheet are included. Full description.