In the context of ocean chemistry, nutrients are chemicals dissolved in the water that provide sustenance for aquatic plants and small animals. These nutrients include elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and silicon. They are often introduced thanks to rivers collecting minerals by flowing over rocks. 

Nutrients can have enormous effects on aquatic ecosystems. They contribute to the flourishing of plankton and other primary producers, forming the basis of most of the world’s oxygen production. Because different areas of the ocean contain different levels of nutrients, the chemical content of the water can tell scientists where a current is flowing from. 

NASA’s stores of ocean data include several products relevant to the study of nutrients, such as ocean color and chlorophyll. Our resources include simulated data based on models, satellite imaging data, and data collected from the ocean itself.