False colour image of the Indian Ocean

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False colour image of the Indian Ocean

False-colour satellite image of the Indian Ocean and part of the Pacific Ocean, showing the distribution of phytoplankton in the surface water. The colours represent varying phytoplankton densities from red (most dense) through yellow, green and blue to pink (least dense). Land areas are coloured black. The highest phytoplankton densities occur in coastal waters, especially those around China and Japan. The image was produced from data acquired by the Coastal Zone Colour Scanner, one of the instruments on NASAs Nimbus-7 research satellite

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Media ID 6374399

© DR GENE FELDMAN, NASA GSFC/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Algae Algal Bloom Bloom From Space Indian Ocean Phytoplankton

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a false-colour image of the vast Indian Ocean and a portion of the Pacific Ocean, revealing an extraordinary distribution of phytoplankton in the surface water. The vibrant colours depicted in this satellite image represent varying densities of these microscopic organisms, with red indicating the highest concentration and pink representing the lowest. Remarkably, land areas are portrayed as black to emphasize the immense expanse of oceanic life. The mesmerizing display reveals that coastal waters, particularly those surrounding China and Japan, boast incredibly dense populations of phytoplankton. These vital marine plants play a crucial role in sustaining our planet's ecosystem by producing oxygen through photosynthesis and serving as a primary food source for countless aquatic species. Acquired from data collected by NASA's Coastal Zone Colour Scanner aboard their Nimbus-7 research satellite, this awe-inspiring imagery provides valuable insights into plankton distribution within our oceans. It offers scientists an opportunity to study algal blooms or sudden increases in phytoplankton density that can have significant ecological impacts. As we gaze upon this remarkable photograph captured from space, let us appreciate the intricate beauty hidden beneath Earth's watery surface. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly invisible organisms like phytoplankton contribute immensely to maintaining balance within our delicate marine ecosystems.

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