The seasonal evolution of the chlorophyll a concentration as seen by an «ocean color» satellite (SeaWiFS) in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Note that:
- The satellite has « difficulties to see » high latitudes in winter (this explains the white patches in the north).
- The phytoplankton bloom starts in May-June.
- The subtropical gyre (in blue color, around the latitudes 25-30°N) is a “desert” zone that becomes larger and poorer during summer.