Marine Deserts On The Move

After 13 years of service, researchers are no longer able to communicate with SeaWiFS. This extremely important instrument, which gave scientists data on ocean color, filled in a vital information gap. Subtle changes in ocean color signify various types and quantities of marine phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), the knowledge of which has both scientific and practical applications. After 13 years of service, researchers are no longer able to communicate with SeaWiFS. This extremely important instrument, which gave scientists data on ocean color, filled in a vital information gap. Subtle changes in ocean color signify various types and quantities of marine phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), the knowledge of which has both scientific and practical applications.For complete transcript, click here.

Animation of a rotating globe showing nearly a decade s worth of data taken by the SeaWiFS instrument, showing the abundance of life in the sea. Dark blue represents warmer areas where there is little life due to lack of nutrients, and greens and reds represent cooler nutrient-rich areas. The nutrient-rich areas include coastal regions where cold water rises from the sea floor bringing nutrients along and areas at the mouths of rivers where the rivers have brought nutrients into the ocean from the land. Print resolution SeaWiFS data of the Pacific Ocean. Print resolution SeaWiFS data over North and South America. Print resolution SeaWiFS data over Europe and Africa. Print resolution SeaWiFS data over Asia and Australia.