Phytoplankton fuel ocean life by feeding other plankton, fish, and ultimately bigger creatures. This video explores the diversity of phytoplankton in the oceans and shows why these plant-like organisms play such a crucial role in life on Earth. In some of the images, color-filtering techniques were used to draw out the fine details in the water, but the features are real. See the full transcript on NASA Earth Observatory: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148661/feeding-the-sea | NASA Ear

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in ocean biology and climate. Understanding the natural processes that influence phytoplankton primary production, and how they are changing as the planet warms, is vital. A new study, using data from ESA's Climate Change Initiative, has produced a 20-year time-series of global primary production in the oceans – shedding new light on the ocean’s 'living carbon pump'. See https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Space_for_our_climate/Shedding_light_on

MASSIVE GREEN ALGAE BLOOMS FOUND BENEATH THINNING ARCTIC ICE Scientists have discovered vast green algae blooms growing beneath thinning Arctic sea ice — a phenomenon once thought impossible due to limited sunlight penetration. As Arctic ice becomes thinner from climate change, more sunlight reaches the water below, stimulating unexpected phytoplankton growth. These blooms can significantly alter marine food chains, affecting fish, mammals, and global carbon cycles. Important Details: • Large al