Scientists Uncover Mystery Behind Antarctic Ocean's Turquoise Glow

What's Happening?

Scientists have resolved a long-standing mystery regarding a turquoise glow in the Antarctic Ocean, visible in satellite images since the early 2000s. The glow is attributed to coccolithophores, tiny marine organisms with reflective calcite shells, found in frigid waters previously thought uninhabitable for them. This discovery was made through detailed measurements taken by a research team led by Barney Balch from the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. The findings reveal that coccolithophores coexist with diatoms, another type of plankton, in a region south of the great calcite belt, contributing to the ocean's carbon cycles.

Why It's Important?

This discovery has significant implications for understanding the ocean's role in carbon sequestration, as coccolithophores are crucial in absorbing atmospheric carbon. The research enhances knowledge of marine ecosystems and their impact on global carbon cycles, which is vital for climate change studies. The findings could influence future environmental policies and conservation efforts, as they provide insights into the complex interactions within marine ecosystems and their contribution to carbon storage.