Skip to main content

A satellite image captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on December 3, 2024, reveals a sprawling phytoplankton bloom extending over 800 kilometers off the coast of Melbourne in the Indian Ocean.

This striking phenomenon marks the austral summer, a season that fosters these vast blooms in the eastern Great Australian Bight through a dynamic interplay of oceanographic and climatic factors.

Seasonal winds and ocean currents redistribute nutrients within the water column, creating fertile conditions for phytoplankton growth. These microscopic organisms are a cornerstone of the marine ecosystem, serving as the base of the food web and playing a significant role in regulating Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Their seasonal surges attract a host of marine species, including fish and apex predators like blue whales, which benefit from the nutrient-rich feeding grounds formed by these blooms.

BloomAustralia A3 v2 res
Australia. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

Observing these blooms is crucial not only for understanding marine biodiversity but also for assessing the broader implications for climate systems. Phytoplankton contribute significantly to carbon cycling, influencing atmospheric carbon levels and the ocean’s health.

Through the Copernicus Marine Service, the Sentinel satellites provide vital insights into oceanic changes, enabling scientists to monitor the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems with unprecedented precision.

This image demonstrates the importance of Earth observation tools in analyzing seasonal and long-term trends in marine productivity, highlighting the links between ocean health, climate systems, and biodiversity.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

Weather experts discover new effect of storm – in a teacupScience

Weather experts discover new effect of storm – in a teacup

By University of Reading Britain, prepare for deep depression: storms ruin tea. A new study reveals that Storm Ciaran cut an invisible path of mayhem…
SourceSourceJuly 16, 2024 Full article
Does air pollution affect lupus risk?Science

Does air pollution affect lupus risk?

By Wiley New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology indicates that chronic exposure to air pollutants may increase the risk of developing lupus, an autoimmune…
SourceSourceJuly 10, 2024 Full article
Image: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the 'Choose Europe for Science' conference in Paris (5 May 2025)
France, EU take aim at Trump’s assault on science, seek to lure US researchersNews

France, EU take aim at Trump’s assault on science, seek to lure US researchers

Paris, France | AFP French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen took aim at Donald Trump's policies on science on…
SourceSourceMay 5, 2025 Full article