Phytoplankton bloom observed in the Barents Sea (North of Norway) in August 2010 by the ocean color sensor MODIS onboard NASA satellite Aqua. Changes in ocean color result from modifications in the phytoplankton composition and concentration. The green colors are likely associated with the presence of diatoms. The shades of light blue result from the occurrence of coccolithophores, phytoplankton organisms that strongly reflect light due to their chalky shells - Source : NASA's Earth Observatory (http:/earthobservatory.nasa.gov)
Dinoflagellate Ceratium teresgyr (Photo : Sophie Marro)
Rosette used to collect seawater samples during a scientific cruise in the South Pacific Ocean. Duringthe austral summer,the amount of chlorophyllais so low thatthe water becomesdeepblue,almostpurple. (Photo : Joséphine Ras)