Author Question: Why are phytoplankton vital for life on Earth to thrive? How many categories of phytoplankton are ... (Read 81 times)

bb · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Why are phytoplankton vital for life on Earth to thrive? How many categories of phytoplankton are there?

Question 2

What is fetch and how does it influence wind wave development?

C.mcnichol98 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Phytoplankton are the base of food webs.
Phytoplankton are even more important to life on Earth due to their chemical processes. They contribute huge amounts of oxygen into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. They are also able to bind at least 35 metric tons of carbon each year. They convert it into carbohydrates capable of being used by other organisms. Only 1 of the Earth's photosynthetic biomass generates 45 of photosynthetic food.
There are eight major types of phytoplankton which are categorized by size.
The most common phytoplankton are diatoms and dinoflagellates which are also classified as microplankton.

Answer to Question 2

A fetch occurs over an uninterrupted distance with which the wind blows without significant change in direction. Depending on the wind speed, wind duration, and fetch, the wave size could increase or decrease. For example, with increased wind speed, duration, and fetch, the wave size will increase. For the largest waves to fully develop, a large fetch must occur with wind blowing continuously for nearly three days. The greatest potential for large waves occurs beneath the strong and nearly continuous winds of the West Wind Drift surrounding Antarctica.