Algal bloom off the coast of Japan

Today's Video of the Day from the European Space Agency features algal blooms swirling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan. Algae blooms occur when there is a rapid increase in phytoplankton, which are microscopic marine plants that float in the upper part of the ocean.  Phytoplankton serve as the base of the aquatic food chain. Carbon dioxide, sunlight, and nutrient availability influence the growth of phytoplankton. The image captures high concentrations of phytoplankton off Hokkaido Island, the second largest island of …