Coccoliths in the Celtic Sea
Credit: Image courtesy NASA/GSFC/LaRC/JPL, MISR Team, Posted on: Wednesday, 8 October 2003, 06:00 CDT Download full size image
Coccolithophores are a group of phytoplankton that are identifiable from space. These microscopic plants armor themselves with external plates of calcium carbonate. The plates, or coccoliths, give the ocean a milky white or turquoise appearance during intense blooms. The long-term flux of coccoliths to the ocean floor is the main process responsible for the formation of chalk and limestone. This image is a natural-color view of the Celtic Sea and English Channel regions, and was acquired by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer’s nadir (vertical-viewing) camera on June 4, 2001.
More Images

Soil on Phoenix's MECA.This image shows soil delivery to NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Cond...

Forces From the Deep.Bright, high-altitude clouds interact with dark, deeper structures near Saturn's south pole. ...
Latest Thoughts
Robotic Surgery for Kids
Soothing Sensitive Teeth
Moving Around in the ICU
High-Tech Gadgets Saving Chronically ILL Kids
Acid Reflux: Stopping Cancer Before it Starts
Vets Using Sports to Overcome Injuries













RSS Feeds