Multiple choice

There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal booms in the sea waters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?

  1. Discharge of nutrients from the estauraries.
  2. Run-off from the land rung the monsoon.
  3. Upwelling in the seas.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

  1. 1 only

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Algae require warmth, sunlight, and nutrients to grow and reproduce, so they live in the upper 60 to 90 meters (200 to 300 feet) of ocean water. An increase in nutrients also may be caused by activities of humans, such as runoff from animal farms or fertilized croplands and lawns, or atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen compounds or oxides derived from the burning of fossil fuel. These nutrients lead to blooms in coastal waters to a greater extent than in the open ocean. Upwellings bring nutrient-rich waters to the top. This increase in nutrients can trigger algae blooms.