Major advances in understanding biological productivity in the ocean have been made from space with the aid of technology, particularly remote sensing instruments.

Global views of the ocean surface show variation in the distribution of phytoplankton. High levels are typical in coastal regions where nutrient levels are typically much higher than in the open ocean. Hot spots of activity occur along the western edges of the continents in upwelling zones. To view a particular region click here. A zoom factor of 8 gives a good image. Try viewing the Gulf of Mexico region and the upwelling zone off Peru.

The tremendous productivity that normally marks the Peruvian upwelling zone is greatly reduced during El Nino events. The strongest El Nino on record is currently underway (1997-1998).