Following up Tim’s post on the bloom at E1, here’s a classic Aqua-MODIS chlorophyll scene showing the wider picture.
Chlorophyll map from 17 June 2010
This shows a clear distinction between L4 – in a low chl-a nutrient depleted area, and E1 – at the edge of a Channel bloom. Also note the higher chl-a concentrations within a few kilometres of much of the SW coastline.
7-day thermal front map up to 07 June 2010
The abundant plankton (and strong oceanic thermal fronts) has attracted basking sharks to the coast of Cornwall. WCO imagery were featured in an article in the Cornish press today. As the journalist got confused between thermal fronts and ocean colour, shown above is the front map I provided.