NASA captured a green halo around islands east of New Zealand, a summer phytoplankton bloom shaped by the underwater Chatham Rise
A massive phytoplankton bloom created a green halo around the Chatham Islands. This striking phenomenon was captured by a satellite in January 2026. The bloom resulted from nutrient-rich waters brought to the surface by an underwater plateau. Phytoplankton are vital microscopic organisms that form the ocean's food web. Satellite observations help scientists monitor these important marine processes.
A massive phytoplankton bloom created a green halo around the Chatham Islands. This striking phenomenon was captured by a satellite in January 2026. The bloom resulted from nutrient-rich waters brought to the surface by an underwater plateau. Phytoplankton are vital microscopic organisms that form the ocean's food web. Satellite observations help scientists monitor these important marine processes.
