December 17, 2015 – Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

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An ocean color satellite imagery from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite coupled with the US Navy’s high resolution circulation models. Researchers used a combination of ocean color satellite products and modeled data to delineate the "possible phytoplankton blooms," but they need more field work data to confirm these blooms and determine if they are Karenia brevis blooms. (Image credit: Ocean Weather Laboratory)

How Scientists are Monitoring the Harmful Algal Bloom

December 17, 2015

It’s a catchy name, but the common phrase “Red Tide” for the algal bloom happening right now in the northern Gulf of Mexico is not quite right, scientifically. The bloom is not always red and it’s not always related to tides.