Phytoplankton east of Tasmania

The Terra MODIS instrument acquired this true-color image of a phytoplankton bloom off of the Tasmanian coast in the Tasman Sea on November 26, 2002. The phytoplankton, which are microscopic marine organisms that use photosynthesis to create energy, appear to be caught in a whirlpool, which causes them to swirl in a clockwise pattern.

---

Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published December 6, 2002
Data acquired November 26 - 26, 2002

Source:

Terra > MODIS

Topics:

Biosphere > Microbiota > Phytoplankton

Biosphere > Vegetation > Biomass

Biosphere > Vegetation > Phytoplankton