Phytoplankton

Overview

Phytoplankton contains chemical material called chlorophyll, which has a role in photosynthesis. There are several types of chlorophyll and Earth observation satellites observes chlorophyll-a which is contained in large majority of phytoplankton. The distribution of chlorophyll-a indicates the distribution of phytoplankton. The data is utilized for estimation of fishing grounds.

Carbon dioxide, which affects global warming, is converted into oxygen and organic matter by phytoplankton photosynthesis. Organic matter is consumed and decomposed as food for fish, then transported to the deep sea in the form of fish droppings and carcasses (CO2 absorption by carbon fixation in photosynthesis). This process is called “carbon cycle” and the data of phytoplankton is utilized for clarifying the global mechanism which affects global warming.

Main Product

Chlorophyll-a

Data Distribution Site

G-Portal
JASMES Portal
JAXA Himawari Monitor (P-Tree)

Related satellites

Global Change Observation Mission – Climate “SHIKISAI” (GCOM-C)
Meteorological satellite “Himawari”