Ocean color from space:
What a long, strange trip it’s been

Gene Carl Feldman, Ph.D.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Friday, January 16, 1998
12:00 noon—MBARI Pacific Forum

For the first time, routine ocean color observations of the world’s oceans are being made by NASA’s recently launched SeaWiFS mission. While much is known about the physical processes that affect the oceans, little is known about the biological consequences of those processes.

Launched in August 1997, and with regular observations beginning on September 18, 1997, the first months of SeaWiFS data have provided dramatic new views of not only the ocean's biology, but of the patterns of vegetation on land as well. Combining these two measurements allows us, for the very first time, to monitor the Global Biosphere—the living Earth.

Next: Chemical communication and forces structuring marine communities