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Oceanic Productivity
Figure 5.12 is one frame from an animated map of ocean chlorophyll levels created by the NASA Earth Observatory Program. You can view the complete data set and create your own animated map by going to earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Observatory/Datasets/chlor.seawifs.html.
To make an interesting map on the NASA web page, choose at least two years of data in the "build an animation" boxes. After the map loads on your computer, click on the play button on the left and observe the changes in colors. To step through the frames individually, use the left or right arrow buttons on your computer after the animation starts.
2. Why do ocean plankton grow densely in the Arctic Ocean between North America and Europe and along the west coasts of South America and Africa? (Hint: you might want to refer to figure 5.12 and its associated text in your book to help answer this question.) 3. Why do most open oceans appear dark blue, which indicates a lack of chlorophyll? 4. Where do the deepest green concentrations occur on land in June and January? |