NASA Satellite Spots Massive 'Ring of Color' in Pacific Ocean Near Chatham Islands

• NASA's NOAA-20 satellite, equipped with the VIIRS sensor, detected a spectacular oceanic 'ring of color' near New Zealand's remote Chatham Islands.
• The massive bloom, larger than New Zealand's South Island, displayed swirling green and blue patterns visible from orbit, indicating high chlorophyll concentration.
• Scientists identified the phenomenon as a phytoplankton bloom, fueled by the Chatham Rise seafloor and the mixing of cold Southern Ocean currents with warmer subtropical waters.
• Phytoplankton are microscopic, plant-like organisms that form the base of the marine food chain; their explosive reproduction creates vivid green-blue ocean colors.
• These blooms, common during austral summer, attract diverse marine wildlife, including fish, krill, seals, whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

Why It Matters: NASA satellite captures a rare, massive phytoplankton 'ring of color' near Chatham Islands, highlighting marine life.