Plankton-Spotting Satellites Can Help Determine Ocean Health From Space
January 17, 2018 - For the first time, scientists are able to predict seafloor biodiversity using satellite images of the ocean surface. Images of phytoplankton color as they float on the surface of the sea are used to create a model of sea life distribution on the seafloor. Phytoplankton play a vital role in the ocean food chain, and their availability is an indication of how much life exists below the surface. The model can be used to predict seafloor biodiversity in regions that aren't physically reachable, like the Antarctic continental shelf, and help to understand how climate change will affect ecosystems.
Transcript
For the first time, scientists are able to predict seafloor biodiversity using satellite images of the ocean surface.
Images of phytoplankton color as they float on the surface of the sea are used to create a model of sea life distribution on the seafloor.
Phytoplankton play a vital role in the ocean food chain, and their availability is an indication of how much life exists below the surface.
The model can be used to predict seafloor biodiversity in regions that aren't physically reachable, like the Antarctic continental shelf ...
and help to understand how climate change will affect ecosystems.
