Pacific Ocean color shifts due to Super El Niño

Satellite imagery from NASA reveals a dramatic color shift in the Pacific Ocean near the equatorial zone, transitioning from green to blue. This phenomenon is attributed to a ‘Super El Niño’ event, characterized by record-breaking temperatures and weakened trade winds.

The change in color is a direct consequence of how El Niño affects marine ecosystems. The green hues typically observed are caused by phytoplankton, microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food web. These organisms thrive in cool, nutrient-rich waters brought to the surface by upwelling. However, during El Niño, the suppression of these nutrient-rich waters limits phytoplankton populations, causing the ocean to appear more blue.

Researchers are utilizing the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) satellite, launched in 2024, to monitor these changes with high precision. The satellite’s Ocean Color Instrument measures light across various wavelengths to provide detailed data on marine productivity and environmental health.