The first MERIS observation has captured the huge phytoplankton patch produced by the "upwelling" mechanism along the Mauritanian coast. The unprecedented resolution allows fine scale structures to be detected. In such upwelling areas north-east trade winds bring deep and nutrient-rich water to the surface, feeding phytoplankton. Changes in climate affect the intensity of the upwelling with important consequences for marine ecosystems, fisheries and the local economy.

The ASAR image covers the Antarctic Peninsula, which extends for 1000 km in the south-north direction and is situated between the Bellingshausen Sea on the west and the Weddell Sea on the east. This is a region that has experienced exceptional atmospheric warming since the 1950’s and is therefore of key interest for global change research. Over the last 50 years an average temperature increase of 2.5°C has been observed at the climate stations on the Peninsula. This has triggered the retreat and break-up of several ice shelves, culminating in the collapse of the two northern parts of the Larsen Ice Shelf in January 1995 (Larsen A) and in March 2002 (Larsen B). The launch of Envisat on 1 March 2002 occurred just in time to capture the dramatic break-up of Larsen B.