Structurally, phytoplankton are much different than land plants but perform the same key function: converting carbon dioxide and nutrients into oxygen and plant biomass. The availability of key "ingredients" -- nutrients, light, carbon -- is directly tied to environmental conditions.

These activities will guide you through working with on-line oceanographic data:

Chief Scientist Mike Sieracki explains changes in phytoplankton ecology over time. Investigate how our Gulf of Maine data compare to the "textbook view" of seasonal marine conditions.

Exercises help you discover how phytoplankton growth and diversity depend on the marine physical environment. You can also see how a storm affected oceanographic structure during October '99.

The Gulf of Maine has a variety of marine environments. Examine regional data sets -- satellite maps & in-water profiles -- to better understand this complex environment.
What is the spring bloom? Did we see it during our spring cruise? Research Gulf of Maine's springtime conditions using our on-line data sets.
Curricular materials for a classroom unit on ecology. Access teacher-developed materials for content standards "Matter Energy and Organization in Living Systems" and "Science as Inquiry."
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