More images of the alga Emiliania huxleyi
Calcified scales cover Emiliania huxleyi. The shape of the liths is characteristic of different species of coccolithophores but can only be distinguished under Scanning Electron Microscopy, as in this image. Photo: Dr. Björn Rost, Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Algal bloom off the coast of Iceland, documented by NASA. The turquoise traces in the water suggest that billions of Emiliania huxleyi are present in the phytoplankton. Photo: NASA/GSFC, MODIS Rapid Response
Mass reproduction of coccolithophores in the Barents Sea , caught by a NASA satellite. When the algae die, the calcified platelets are released into the water and scatter sunlight so that the water appears light blue. Platelets of intact algal cells do not scatter light. Therefore, whether coccolithophores dominate an algal bloom or not can only be seen from space once most individuals have already died and released their calcified platelets.
Photo: Jacques Descloitres, NASA/GSFC, MODIS Rapid Response
Photos of the press release "Alga of the Year 2009: Emiliania huxleyi – an algal dwarf which impacts on the global climate
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The use of the image of Dr. Björn Rost is only permitted in connection with reporting on the topic ‘alga of the year 2009’ and only if the photographers are acknowledged in the format: first name, second name, institution. Commercial use of the images is not permitted. If you would like to use the images for any other purpose please contact Dr. Björn Rost.
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