The area clogged with green algae is 120 miles long and 60 miles wide (193 and 96 kilometers, respectively) and is clearly visible from space from satellite.
Scientists believe that the rapid growth of algae is associated with the ingress of large amounts of iron from the snows of Antarctica into the water. According to experts, they will not remember a similar phenomenon, at least for the entire period of ocean research.
On such algae, the most rampant for small organisms, krill and plankton, which in turn attract a large number of those who feed on them, various cetaceans and seals. The truth so far about the outbreak of these animals in that area has not been reported.
According to the Telegraph edition, huge reserves of iron fell into the ocean due to strong winds blowing iron-saturated snow from Antarctica into the water during 2011. Algae in that area are very poor in iron, which is one of the most important nutrients for them, and the slightest increase in this substance in the water will give the plants a vigorous growth.
However, experts are not afraid that algae will have any negative impact on nature. As soon as the influx of iron is reduced, the algae will begin to die off and everything that will not be eaten by animals and plankton will settle at the bottom.