In brief
As rising global temperatures threaten marine life, scientists are using advanced satellite technology to better understand the crucial role plankton play in our oceans.
Humans exist in a plankton-dominated world, with these tiny organisms covering nearly 75% of Earth's surface and forming a key foundation for marine life. However, climate change is significantly disrupting their ecosystems and consequently, the broader food chain.NASA recently launched a satellite capable of providing unprecedented data about phytoplankton diversity and distribution across oceans. This is vital because these small organisms are essential for processes like oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption."Do you like breathing? Do you like eating? If so, phytoplankton matters to you," highlighted Jeremy Werdell, the lead scientist for the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite program. Previously, research vessels offered limited insights into ocean health, but satellite data can give a more comprehensive view.According to oceanographer Ivona Cetinic, the PACE satellite acts like a clear lens, allowing researchers to see a broader spectrum of marine life, instead of merely glimpsing the overall garden of the ocean. This enhanced understanding is crucial as scientists strive to grasp how changing ocean conditions are affecting not just marine ecosystems but the planet's climate and human health as well.
