Here's how it works:

* Wind: Winds blowing parallel to a coastline push surface water away from the shore.

* Deep water rises: This creates a void that is filled by cold, nutrient-rich water rising from the depths.

* Productivity: These nutrients fuel the growth of phytoplankton, which form the base of the marine food web, leading to increased marine life.

Upwellings are crucial to marine ecosystems, supporting high levels of biodiversity and productivity in areas like the coasts of Peru, Chile, and the Pacific Northwest.