Coccolithophores are single celled eukaryotic phytoplankton that synthesize intricate exoskeletons from crystals of calcium carbonate. The functions of these coccoliths are unknown, and may include buoyancy, osmotic regulation, protection from UV light, predation, or mechanical shock. When nutrient and light conditions are optimal, coccolithophores can form massive plankton blooms that are visible from space. Large numbers of these organisms can accumulate on the ocean floor forming chalk deposits such as the White Cliffs of Dover.
Know more:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Coccolithophores/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccolithophore
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cliffs_of_Dover
Images via Wikimedia Commons
Corina Marinescu, your posts never cease to amaze and educate me; I learn quite a bit every day, thank you, Highness!
ReplyDeleteOk Gord Birch III I'll have to ask you to stop with the highness thingy. Same like everyone around here still have stuff to learn.
ReplyDeleteI just have different interests perhaps ;)
Corina Marinescu okay, I will, my apologies. :)
ReplyDeleteDanke =)
ReplyDeleteBitte :)
ReplyDeleteBeauty!
ReplyDelete#earthscience excellent images +Corina Marinescu
ReplyDeleteThe name of the dodecahedral organism on the upper right is Braarudosphaera bigelowii
ReplyDelete- Thanks to Boris Borcic who searched for this and let me/us know.
Sorry again for the comment settings Boris ;)
You are welcome, thanks for setting them right, Corina Marinescu
ReplyDelete