Phytoplankton Creates Stunning Turquoise Hue in Black Sea

WHO:

Phys.org - The Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on NASA's PACE satellite is involved in capturing images of the Black Sea.

WHAT:

Phys.org - Phytoplankton caused a turquoise tint in the Black Sea, transforming its appearance into a striking expanse of swirling turquoise.

NASA - Phytoplankton added a milky blue hue to the waters of the Black Sea and nearby waterways.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The Black Sea, located at the boundary between Europe and Asia, connects to the Mediterranean Sea via a chain of waterways.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The image capturing the turquoise hue was taken on June 22, 2026.

NASA - The phenomenon of phytoplankton affecting the color of the Black Sea occurred in spring and summer 2026.

WHY:

NASA - The presence of phytoplankton is responsible for the color change in the Black Sea.

HOW:

Phys.org - The OCI on NASA's PACE satellite captured the image of the Black Sea's transformation.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 13:47 UTC)

NASA's PACE satellite has captured stunning images of the Black Sea, showcasing its transformation into a striking expanse of swirling turquoise due to the presence of phytoplankton. This phenomenon, which has added a milky blue hue to the waters, occurred during the spring and summer of 2026. The Black Sea, located at the boundary between Europe and Asia, connects to the Mediterranean Sea through a series of waterways, making it a vital area for such natural occurrences.