Picture: Satellite captures ocean in bloom

Picture / NASA

Chlorophyll levels in water around New Zealand can be seen in this image taken from Nasa's Aqua satellite. Phytoplankton, single-cell ocean plants at the start of the food chain for many fish, contain chlorophyll to harness the sun's energy for photosynthesis.

The image was captured on September 26, using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer. In large amounts, chlorophyll creates colourful patterns on the surface of the ocean. In this picture, the amount of chlorophyll is colour-coded dark blue (little or no chlorophyll) through to yellow.

Phytoplankton growth is high around coastal areas so chlorophyll levels are also high. Nasa has been mapping chlorophyll levels in the ocean to help shed light on when and where phytoplankton blooms, and why.