Shetland from space picture shows algal bloom

AN IMAGE appearing to show the extent of algal bloom around the east coast of Shetland this summer has been released by the team behind plans for a space port in Unst.

The picture is a composite of European Space Agency satellite images taken on a cloudless day in July.

Seas around the coast of Scotland have been noted this summer for their sometimes striking turquoise colour, which is thought to have been caused by tiny coccolithophore cells that are covered in chalk plates and reflect sunlight just below the surface.

The images of Shetland were pieced together by Jacques Meheut of Saxa Vord UK Spaceport.

“It’s remarkable to see the extent of the bloom all up the east side of Shetland right out past our planned launch site at Lamba Ness in Unst and north-west up towards Faroe,” he said.

“This is a great example of the benefits of satellite technology – watch out for future images that we will be posting.”