Ocean Zonation Notes

1. Zonation in the Ocean
sketch this:

2. Neritic Zone
• Oceanic region that runs from the high tide
line to less than 200 m (600 feet) (over C.
Shelf)
• Mnemonic device:“NEAR”-itic is NEAR shore”Neritic Zone

3. Oceanic Zone
• Water beyond the shore & deeper than 200 m (600 ft)
• Mnemonic device: “Oceanic is Out to Sea”
Oceanic Zone

4. Photic (AKA Euphotic) Zone
• Sunlit region of the sea – usually top 200 m (600 ft)
• Plankton can do photosynthesis here

5. Disphotic Zone
• “Twilight” or “Dusk – like” region of the sea –
usually about 200 – 1000 m (600 – 3000 feet)
• Light enough to see, but not enough for
photosynthesis

6. Aphotic Zone
• The “Midnight” or “No Light” region of the
ocean – usually below 1000m (3000 feet)
• Majority of the ocean

7. Seafloor Profile With Zones
B
A
C
D
E
?=
Abyssopelagic
Mesopelagic
Hadal
Epipelagic
Bathypelagic
bonus F? Zone
? Zone
? Zone
? Zone
? Zone
Abyssal Plain
Rise
Trench
Slope
Shelf