NASA’s PACE mission has been studying Earth’s oceans and atmosphere since its launch in February 2024. The satellite’s OCI (Ocean Color Instrument) has been measuring ocean waterbodies across a broad spectrum of light for over a year, providing valuable insights into aquatic ecology.
Researchers use chlorophyll-a concentrations to study phytoplankton biomass and ecosystem function. Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web, producing oxygen and serving as part of the ocean’s “biological carbon pump.” These tiny organisms are crucial for life on Earth, and PACE’s OCI is helping scientists better understand their role.
The satellite’s observations have revealed complex patterns in the marine environment, including swirling eddies that may have distinct ecosystems. The OCI can distinguish between different types of phytoplankton, such as coccolithophores and diatoms, using its many spectral bands.
Dr. Ivona Cetinić, an oceanographer at Morgan State University, says that PACE’s OCI is providing a long-term, global record of chlorophyll measurements. “Only satellites can provide this synoptic view of phytoplankton,” she said. This data has revolutionized our understanding of ocean ecosystems, which are essential for fisheries, coastal recreation, and the oxygen we breathe.
The PACE mission extends NASA’s continuous measurement of light-harvesting pigments in ocean surface waters, building on a record started by SeaWiFS in 1997. The OCI’s clearer signal and better coverage have improved upon this critical data record, providing scientists with more accurate insights into the ocean’s health.
Source: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154699/a-sea-aswirl-with-chlorophyll