Section outline

    • Deep sea and polar systems File PDF

      Deep sea environments: summary and environmental features. Organic matter flows.  Biodiversity and species adaptations. Typical species. Abyssal gigantism. Transient deep-sea ecosystems: carcasses, hydrothermal vents, cold seeps. Potential effects of climate change on deep-sea ecosystems. 

      Polar marine systems. Arctic and Antarctic ocenas: differences, environmental features and biodiversity. Fish, sea birds and marine mammals. Adaptations to cold temperature. Migrations. Ice and life. Primary productivity. Krill and polar trophic nets. Main human threats: pollution, overexploitation of marine resources, climate change. Protection regimes in polar oceans. 

    • supplementary material File ZIP