NASE Dive Class 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is that, during upwellings, warm water is moved away from the shore. Upwelling is a process where deeper, colder water rises to the surface, often bringing nutrients from the ocean floor that support marine life. This process typically occurs in areas where prevailing winds drive surface water away from the coastline. As the warmer surface water is displaced, deeper, colder water moves up to replace it.

In this context, it is essential to understand that the warm water at the surface is pushed away from the shore, allowing the colder, nutrient-rich water to surface. This nutrient-rich water influences marine ecosystems positively, supporting fisheries and biodiversity.

In relation to the other types of water mentioned, fresh water, brackish water, and cold water do not accurately describe the processes taking place during upwelling. Fresh water usually refers to non-salty water found in rivers and lakes, while brackish water is a mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries. Cold water, while it does rise during upwelling, is not the type of water being displaced from the shore; rather, it is the warmer water that gets moved away, allowing for this important ecological process to occur.