NASA has released satellite pictures of a dramatic sight that lit up part of the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month.
Officials say all the way from space they were able to observe a swirling, lighter colored portion of the ocean that is actually a huge phytoplankton bloom.
The video and photos were taken earlier this month off the coast of Iceland.
Phytoplankton is a microscopic organism, but when conditions are just right, a sudden explosive growth called a bloom happens.
Blooms can cover hundreds of square miles, and can last several weeks.
recent stories: Space
Entities 0 Name: Atlantic Ocean Count: 1 1 Name: Iceland Count: 1 2 Name: NASA Count: 1 Related 0 Url: http://ourocean.info/ Title: Our Ocean Description: Whether you live on the coast or hours from the closest beach, we all depend on the ocean. The ocean is critical to maintaining life on Earth, contributing to our livelihoods and our well-being. It regulates our climate and weather, it generates 50 percent of the oxygen we breathe, and it absorbs excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Post a Comment for "NASA takes video of phytoplankton bloom from space"