| Physical
forcing brought about other changes. During spring and summer 1997,
the nutrient supply for shelf waters was quickly depleted. As a result,
the typical diatom phytoplankters that normally flourish there were suppressed.
In their stead, coccolithophores
underwent a massive bloom visible from space. These organisms have
never been seen in this area in such abundance. Liths that they shed
scatter sunlight, causing the milky, aquamarine color, and possibly hindering
the ability of seabirds to forage for their prey. The coccolithophore
bloom has recurred during each of the following summers. |
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