ESA contributes to ocean carbon cycle research   A GlobColour chlorophyll product showing the distribution of phytoplankton in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.   Marine phytoplankton seen through a microscope.   Envisat's MERIS reduced-resolution image from 3 May 2007 showing a bloom of phytoplankton (primarily coccolithophores) along the edge of the continental shelf south west of Ireland and to the west of the English Channel, and suspended sediments in the Irish Sea, Bristol Channel and English Channel. Release date: 3 December 2009