Dust and Phytoplankton of Argentine Coast - November 5th, 2009

A plume of dust blows off the coast of Argentina, between Pinamar and Mar del Plata, south of Buenos Aires and the sediment-laden Rio de la Plata estuary. The plume widens as it spreads eastward, eventually forking in two off the coast. One part then curves back towards land, while the other blows southeast and then to the northwest.

Also visible is a phytoplankton bloom in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the bloom is veiled by the dust, while more can be observed to the south. Off the coast of Argentina, the Malvinas Current travels north along the continental shelf. Its motion pulls deep, cold nutrient rich waters up to the surface. These waters act as a natural fertilizer for the production of the phytoplankton.

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