Forecasting Where Ocean Life Thrives

Where do plankton grow more prolifically in the ocean? At “fronts” where different water masses meet. In this case, less-salty, less-dense water from the Atlantic Ocean enters the Mediterranean Sea, where it meets saltier, denser Mediterranean water. The denser water sinks beneath the lighter water. The lighter water rises toward the sunlit surface, bringing with it nutrients that fuel the growth of plankton. (Eric S. Taylor, Tim Silva, Jack Cook, WHOI Creative Studio)