Swirling phytoplankton blooms highlight this satellite image of the North Altantic Ocean in 2010. The swirls may be a key factor in the blooms. (NASA/MODIS Rapid Response Team)

January 15, 2014Full resolution (700 × 450)

Swirling phytoplankton blooms highlight this satellite image of the North Altantic Ocean in 2010. The swirls may be a key factor in the blooms. (NASA/MODIS Rapid Response Team)