September 10, 2014 - Phytoplankton bloom in the North Atlantic Ocean

Phytoplankton bloom in the North Atlantic Ocean

As the clouds parted over the North Atlantic Ocean on August 27, 2014 the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a brilliant true-color image of the region, including a pale blue stain tinting the normally deep blue ocean waters. This broad, swirling stain is caused by a bloom of phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton are tiny, single-celled plant-like organisms that live suspended in the waters of the North Atlantic year-round. They are primary producers in the ocean and form the base of the marine food chain. Although present year-round, they normally live in small numbers. When conditions are right – when nutrient levels, light and temperature all become favorable – phytoplankton can reproduce explosively, creating huge blooms that can easily be seen from space.

Image Facts
Satellite: Terra
Date Acquired: 8/27/2014
Resolutions: 1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC