Scientists using NASA's Earth observing system find evidence of phytoplankton blooms hidden beneath Antarctic sea ice. Until now, researchers believed the packed sea ice of the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean) blocked all light from reaching the sea beneath. This prevented phyto
Researchers have uncovered evidence that vast phytoplankton blooms may be lurking beneath Antarctic ice.’s Earth observing system find evidence of phytoplankton blooms hidden beneath Antarctic sea ice.
Supported by plenty of light and freshwater with high iron content, phytoplankton blooms are often spotted as soon as the sea ice begins its seasonal retreat. Yet a team led by Dr. Christopher Horvat of “We found that nearly all examples of floats profiling under Antarctic sea ice record increases in phytoplankton before sea ice retreats,” said Horvat. “In many cases, we observed significant blooms.” Horvat also pointed out that the floats only sampled a very small part of the millions of square kilometers of sea ice that might host these under-ice blooms, so there may be many more hidden phytoplankton blooms with the potential to support other life out there.
However, the authors cautioned that the floats could sample under the ice but couldn’t return data from these positions, meaning that the coordinates for sample locations are not completely precise. “It is possible some of the high productivity events might be recorded in regions with low sea ice cover,” Horvat said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Huge 285-Mile-Long River Discovered Beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet – Could Accelerate Ice LossAn unexpected river under the Antarctic ice sheet affects the flow and melting of ice, potentially accelerating ice loss as the climate warms. New research reveals a river deep under the ice in Antarctica that is 285 miles (460 km) long, making it longer than the River Thames. The study details h
Read more »
All the “Wednesday” Easter Eggs & Hidden References You Missed*how* did I miss the 'Beetlejuice' reference?! 👀
Read more »
Foundation Models - A hidden revolution in enterprise Artificial Intelligence | HackerNoonAn introductory article to bring a preliminary cognizance on the broadening prospects of foundation models in the AI industry. - artificialintelligence machinelearning
Read more »
This hidden cabin in Golden Gate Park will soon be for rentRedwood logs were floated down from Mendocino County to build the cabin.
Read more »
Jacksonville's 'hidden beauty' to be star of 2022 Winter Design Show for Wolfson benefitThe Winter Design Show, hosted by the Wolfson Women's Board, is a reimagining of the old Art \u0026 Antiques Show benefit for Wolfson Children's Hospital.
Read more »
E3 Lithium receives $20 million investment from Canada’s Strategic Innovation FundThe fund’s objective is to spur innovation for a better Canada by providing funding for large projects and national innovation ecosystems.
Read more »