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Is climate change turning the ocean green?
A new study revealed that 56% of the global sea surface has undergone a significant change in color in the past 20 years. After analyzing ocean color data from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on @nasa’s Aqua satellite, they found that much of the change stems from the ocean turning more green.
This map highlights the areas where ocean surface color changed in the last 20 years. The black dots on the map indicate the area, covering 12% of the ocean’s surface, where chlorophyll levels also changed over the study period.
Why green? It's difficult to say, but the team posits that it could be from different types and abundances of plankton or other factors.
This shift in the water’s hue confirms a trend expected under climate change and signals changes to ocean ecosystems.
Image Description: A global map centered on the Pacific Ocean. The map highlights the areas where ocean surface color changed. Change in color is represented by shades of green. The darkest green correlates to higher levels of change. Black dots on the map represent areas where chlorophyll levels also changed.
#Climate #NASA #Ocean #ClimateChange #Earth #EarthScience #ClimateData #EarthData
