Phytoplankton bloom along the coast of New Zealand

A large bloom of phytoplankton off the coast of New Zealand is visible in this true-color MODIS image acquired April 7, 2002. Phytoplankton is a microscopic marine organism that uses chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Sunlight reflects off of the organisms and results in a bright blue-green color.

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Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published April 18, 2002
Data acquired April 7 - 7, 2002

Source:

Terra > MODIS

Topics:

Biosphere > Microbiota > Phytoplankton

Biosphere > Vegetation > Biomass

Biosphere > Vegetation > Phytoplankton