September 24, 2014 - Phytoplankton bloom off British Columbia

Phytoplankton bloom off British Columbia

A swirl of milky greens marked the spot where phytoplankton bloomed off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada in late September, 2014. The coastal waters off of Vancouver Island and Washington State encourage growth of these tiny, plant-like organisms because the wind and ocean currents help stir nutrients from deep in the ocean. As these waters rise, they carry phosphates and nitrates, which act as fertilizer to the phytoplankton living near the surface. The right combination temperature, nutrients and sunlight can spur phenomenal growth of the organisms, creating blooms which can easily be seen from space.

Phytoplankton play an important role in local ocean ecosystems, where they form the base of the marine food chain. Areas rich in periodic phytoplankton blooms are often also rich fishing areas. They also play important roles in sustaining larger oceanic ecosystems, and impact global climate.

Image Facts
Satellite: Terra
Date Acquired: 9/20/2014
Resolutions: 1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC