24. Gulf Stream, Plankton Bloom

A seasonal plankton bloom rather than Sun glitter traces a Gulf Stream shear zone and associated cold core eddies in this 250-mm-lens view of the Atlantic Ocean in May 1985. The cold cores (columns of cold water) bring nutrients up toward the surface from lower levels, and phytoplankton concentrate in the cold cores to feed on the nutrients carried up from the depths. The plankton in turn attract fish and fishing vessels.

STS-51B, April-May 1985. Picture #51B-55-006

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