The photic zone, also known as the sunlit zone, extends from the surface of the ocean down to a depth where sunlight is no longer sufficient for photosynthesis. This depth varies depending on factors like:

* Water clarity: Clearer water allows light to penetrate deeper.

* Latitude: Regions closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to deeper photic zones.

* Season: Sunlight intensity changes with the seasons, affecting the depth of the photic zone.

Generally, the photic zone ranges from about 200 meters (656 feet) in clear, tropical waters to as shallow as 10 meters (33 feet) in murky, coastal waters.