NASA MODIS: Antarctic Algae Bloom Can be Seen from Space

A field of bright green algae in Antarctica could be seen from space.

Australian scientists spotted the algae captured in satellite pictures.

The scientists believe that the growth has been caused by a build-up of iron, most likely caused by snow that blew into the waters.

The algae bloom, which is about 200 kilometres wide and 100 kilometres long, was photographed from the Modis instrument on Nasa's Terra Satellite, at least 650 kms from the Earth.

Mark Curran from the Australian Antarctic Division reported that Antarctica's snow contained small amount of iron.

He said during summer, Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica had experienced strong winds which would have blown the snow into the ocean.

"Very, very tiny amounts of iron act as a nutrient," he said.

"Usually algae in this region are iron limited and so when they get a small amount of iron and they have everything else they need, that's enough for them to bloom," he added.

The scientists said that the algae had been there for more than three weeks and would not cause any damage to the environment.

They said it would disappear automatically.

ESA Video: Nutrition on Earth and in Space

A new ESA educational video Feeding our Future – Nutrition on Earth and in Space examines food as a vital part of life on Earth and in space. It shows why we need food in the first place and what it represents in our culture and daily living.

The video illustrates how our bodies process food as a source of energy and building materials: what it importance of good nutrition for a healthy life and what can happen without it, whether here on Earth or in space?

It looks at research for preserving and growing food for long flights, as well as valuable technology for future food supplies on Earth, where climate change and population growth are global challenges. New techniques developed for space missions can help to feed hungry people on our planet.

To download the full video and to order the DVD click on the ESA Website link