Why the world's oceans are changing colour
Human-induced climate change is altering phytoplankton populations in the oceans, leading to changes in water color.
Human-induced climate change is altering phytoplankton populations, changing the ocean s colors. Satellite studies show some waters are turning greener, while others are becoming bluer as temperatures rise.
The European State of the Climate report revealed significant chlorophyll level changes, with increases of 200-500% in the Norwegian Sea and decreases of 60-80% west of the Iberian Peninsula.
Phytoplankton, essential for the marine food web and carbon dioxide transfer, are causing these color changes. Deep blue waters indicate less life, while greener waters show more phytoplankton presence.
Using data from NASA's Aqua satellite, a virtual Earth model showed that 56% of the world's ocean area has changed color, confirming global-scale changes due to climate change.
Changes in phytoplankton populations will affect zooplankton and other marine life, potentially decreasing species richness in the tropics and increasing it in temperate regions, impacting food webs and fish populations.
Satellite data reveals ocean color changes: some areas greener (more phytoplankton) while others bluer (less phytoplankton) due to rising temperatures.