October 25, 2014 - Phytoplankton bloom off South Africa

Phytoplankton bloom off South Africa

A brilliant bloom of phytoplankton colored the waters off of South African in late October, 2014. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) flying aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of the scene on October 24, 2014.

Each spring and summer, lengthening sunshine comes to the southern oceans, providing light to spur the growth of these microscopic plants. The lengthening light also melts sea ice, which can release additional nutrients into the sea. Blooms such as this one become a banquet for krill, fish and other marine species which survive in these cool waters.

Image Facts
Satellite: Aqua
Date Acquired: 10/17/2014
Resolutions: 1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC