Hydrosphere: Ocean Properties and Kelp

Some species are excellent indicators of environmental conditions, and even better indicators of environmental pressures. Looking at kelp forest distribution is a great way to learn about temperature and salinity variation within the ocean. Students will extend their understanding by using real data and connecting kelp forests to geographic locations.

Ocean Properties and Kelp

Map shows the relationship between water temperature and kelp forests. Enlarge image.

Summary:

Kelp forests are important biological habitats for many fish and invertebrates. They produce oxygen and food products for humans. Like all plants, kelp requires both light and nutrients to grow. They prefer water that is cool and nutrient-rich. These plantlike algae, which are anchored to the bottom, prefer a rocky seafloor on which to anchor.

In this lesson students will look for ideal locations for kelp forest growth. These locations occur a where there are combinations of physical factors including water depth, temperature, wave action and nutrient availability.

Students use My World GIS to look for connections between Physical and Biological factors in the ocean. The lesson begins with students reading about and discussing the needs of the kelp forest. They then predict where in the ocean kelp forests should exist. After this prediction students begin by examining ocean depth for suitable kelp forest habitat.

In the second part of the lesson, students look at ocean temperature and select regions of water that is cold enough for kelp forest life. In part 3, students look at upwelling regions and view a short explanatory video clip of how upwelling occurs. Upwelling helps to bring nutrient rich waters to the kelp forest so students are asked to in part 4, connect upwelling and the kelp forest.

This activity is available for download at the My World Activity Center. Click on the Activity Center link and look for the activity entitled:

"Kelp Location Activity"

Here's what you need:

My World GIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) designed by educators specifically for learning with a GIS--not about a GIS. It is a powerful mapping and analytical tool that provides visual representation of data in a geographic context.

PASCO offers a variety of licensing options for K-12 and University students.

See the product description and licensing options.