Images
May 31, 2010 - Phytoplankton Blooms in the North Atlantic
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Bright swirls of blue and green colored the ocean when this image was captured by the MODIS on the Terra satellite on May 22, 2010. The colors are due to the presence of microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. Like their land-based plant relatives, they use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into food. Phytoplankton use chlorophyll for photosynthesis as well, which is what causes the green pigment in the water. The presence of coccolithophores, a type of phytoplankton that is coated with scales of calcium, is likely what is turning the water electric blue. The proliferation of many different species of phytoplankton in various stages of growth and decay can provide many nuances of color.
To the south is the blue bloom in France's Bay of Biscay. Further north, west of northern France is a large bloom that trails north and west of England and Ireland.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 05/22/2010
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
Bright swirls of blue and green colored the ocean when this image was captured by the MODIS on the Terra satellite on May 22, 2010. The colors are due to the presence of microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. Like their land-based plant relatives, they use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into food. Phytoplankton use chlorophyll for photosynthesis as well, which is what causes the green pigment in the water. The presence of coccolithophores, a type of phytoplankton that is coated with scales of calcium, is likely what is turning the water electric blue. The proliferation of many different species of phytoplankton in various stages of growth and decay can provide many nuances of color.
To the south is the blue bloom in France's Bay of Biscay. Further north, west of northern France is a large bloom that trails north and west of England and Ireland.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 05/22/2010
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
