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Envisat captures first image of Sargassum from space

6 June 2007

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Sargassum slick observed in the western Gulf of Mexico, on 2 June 2003, off Corpus Christi, Texas.

Credits: Tracy Villareal, University of Texas, Marine Science Institute

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Sargassum seaweed in the Gulf of Mexico has been detected from space for the first time using optical radiance data from the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) aboard Envisat. The ability to monitor Sargassum globally will allow researchers to understand better the primary productivity of the ocean and better predict climate change.

Credits: ESA