Satellites are very useful for providing information on physical conditions, such as sea surface temperature, and biological conditions, such as chlorophyll concentration. Because upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich water results in cooler sea surface temperatures in the upwelling area, regional upwelling events can be detected and quickly identified in satellite imagery. The impact of these upwelling events on phytoplankton abundance can also be assessed by examining corresponding chlorophyll data as reported by satellites.

In this module you have explored the importance of upwelling on ocean productivity along coasts, and have used satellite images to spot upwelling events and confirm their relationship to productivity.