Images
May 19, 2010 - Ocean Color in the North Atlantic
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White and gray clouds blend with the blues and greens in the water to create this scene, which resembles an abstract painting. The color in the water is caused by microscopic plants called phytoplankton. Fed by nutrients that have built up during the winter and the long, sunlit days of late spring and early summer, the cool waters of the North Atlantic come alive every year with a vivid display of color. The microscopic plants, called phytoplankton, that give the water this color are the base of the marine food chain.
Some species of phytoplankton are coated with scales of calcium (chalk), which turn the water electric blue. Chlorophyll and other light-capturing pigments in others give the water a deep green hue. The proliferation of many different species in various stages of growth and decay provides many nuances of color in this concentrated bloom.
This bloom is located just off the coast of Ireland, which is visible on the right side of the image. Iceland is to the north, out of frame. The image was captured by the MODIS on the Aqua satellite on May 16, 2010.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Aqua
Date Acquired: 05/16/2010
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
White and gray clouds blend with the blues and greens in the water to create this scene, which resembles an abstract painting. The color in the water is caused by microscopic plants called phytoplankton. Fed by nutrients that have built up during the winter and the long, sunlit days of late spring and early summer, the cool waters of the North Atlantic come alive every year with a vivid display of color. The microscopic plants, called phytoplankton, that give the water this color are the base of the marine food chain.
Some species of phytoplankton are coated with scales of calcium (chalk), which turn the water electric blue. Chlorophyll and other light-capturing pigments in others give the water a deep green hue. The proliferation of many different species in various stages of growth and decay provides many nuances of color in this concentrated bloom.
This bloom is located just off the coast of Ireland, which is visible on the right side of the image. Iceland is to the north, out of frame. The image was captured by the MODIS on the Aqua satellite on May 16, 2010.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Aqua
Date Acquired: 05/16/2010
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
