Not all seawater is equal. In some regions of the ocean, despite receiving plenty of light for photosynthesis, nutrients are low and life is scarce. In other regions, nutrients are rich and marine life is bountiful. We can observe these "deserts" and "gardens" of the ocean using satellites, which can detect how productive phytoplankton are, all over the world. Satellites do this by measuring slight changes in the color of light that is reflected off the ocean. Phytoplankton have unique pigments inside their cells that are used in photosynthesis. These pigments alter the color of light that reflects off the ocean and bounces back into space, which allows satellites to detect changes in phytoplankton. Satellite studies of the Arctic have shown that, overall, the Arctic Ocean is productive in many regions, which means the Arctic waters are nutritious.

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