Explanation of the Animation
Relationship between sea colour and sea surface temperature
Remember: In the sea colour images:
Close this window by clicking on the X icon in top right of this window
This animation is a mock-up of the display that we are intending to provide for a future sea colour/sea surface
temperature product. In the future system, the slide control at the bottom of the image window will allow you to gradually change from
a display showing just sea surface temperature to one just showing sea colour. By smoothly changing from one
display to the other, it is easy to see the spatial relationships.
Notice for example that the 22.5°C water shown in red at the top of the animation is barren of phytoplankton and
is therefore not likely to contain many fish. And notice that the band of ENE-trending water rich in phytoplankton
in the centre of the animation (which is shown in green in the sea colour image) is confined to the cooler water
(shown in light blue in the sea surface temperature image).
Green areas contain the most life, while the blue areas are nearly empty of life.
It is as simple as: more food and the right temperatures = more fish.