Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food web and about half of the oxygen on Earth. The concentration of their green pigment, chlorophyll, can be seen from space because it changes the color of the water. From measurements collected at sea and analyzed through microscopes, we know there are many of thousands of types of phytoplankton. Computer models combine observations from satellites and ships with physical forcing to estimate where diverse species live an

54 reactions · 13 shares | Have no fear, the Phyto Phyters are here! In honor of #WorldOceansDay, the PACE mission’s Dr. Ivona Cetinić, PACE breaks down the purpose of plankton in our oceans. With 10,000 different types of species of phytoplankton, each one plays a specific important role in the ecosystem — one we can’t always even see Watch to learn more about the powerful duties of phytoplankton! | NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center | Facebook