Satellite images reveal massive die-off of Antarctica's marine life

Geophysics Professor Kevin Arrigo discusses how he and his colleagues used satellite imagery to show how icebergs caused a 40-percent decline in phytoplankton blooms, which harmed penguin populations in 2000 and 2001.

Video:
Antarctica video courtesy of Robert Dunbar, Earth Sciences
Satellite images courtesy of NASA and the NOAA-12 satellite, as provided by the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center,SEC, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Produced by Jack Hubbard and Mark Shwartz

Antarctica's rich marine ecosystems depend on phytoplankton --microscopic algae that reproduce by the ton during the spring and summer. Phytoplankton are eaten by shrimp-like krill (lower left), which in turn are preyed upon by seals, penguins and other animals. Photos courtesy of NOAA.

• Massive icebergs may affect sea life and food chain (NASA)
  
  
• Arrigo's faculty profile
  
  
• SeaWiFS Project
  
  
• Images of Antarctic Ice Shelves
  
  
• Office of Polar Programs (NSF)