Almost all marine life depends on phytoplankton, tiny plant-like organisms that use chlorophyll to photosynthesize. Scientists track phytoplankton by measuring the concentration of chlorophyll in the water, which satellites can detect from space.
go.nasa.gov/3Y1sfk4
Conversation
Lots of chlorophyll in the water can indicate a phytoplankton bloom, swirls of blue and green in the ocean that satellites can see from space.
The color of the swirls tells scientists about the plankton in the bloom and nutrient cycling in the ocean.
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However, NASA’s existing satellites have some limitations to what they can see. The PACE satellite, slated to launch in January 2024, is hyperspectral, meaning it will see the ocean in even more hues.
More on PACE: go.nasa.gov/3VRcfzc
The ability of phytoplanktons to store large amounts of CO2 and their ability to thrive in an environment devoid of humans make them one of our best bets for reducing the rising carbon emissions.
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