While the human eye does a good job of distinguishing features and even comparing things on a relative basis, it is very difficult to accurately quantify actual amounts of chlorophyll based on our ability to perceive subtle shades of color! Satellites, however, have the ability to accurately record the exact intensity of light that is received at each wavelength. Then, using the established algorithms, these values can be used to determine actual chlorophyll concentrations. In the case of SeaWiFS, the algorithms that are used rely on the blue and green channels. In other words, SeaWiFS uses the same colors you have been looking at, only much more accurately!

Click the image toggle button to see how well your eye matches up with SeaWiFS's!

The processed image has been color-coded with blue showing the least chlorophyll and red showing the most. How successful were you in accurately identifying the spots with the highest chlorophyll abundance?