 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 EPOD 20th - Diatom Wreath

   September 29, 2020

    Diatom_Plankton%20portland%20120418%20eucampia%20zoodiacus%20

    December 2018 Viewer's Choice We’re celebrating 20 years of Earth
   Science Picture of the Day during the month of September! Today’s photo
   features a popular EPOD from the past. Thanks to all of our followers
   (on the blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) for supporting us.
   Thanks also to all of you who’ve submitted your photos. We’re most
   appreciative. This EPOD was originally published December 24, 2018.

   Photographer:  Southern Maine Community College Photography Class
   Summary Author:  John Stetson

   This wreath is certainly festive and seasonal, but it's just a bit too
   small, about the  width of a human hair, to place on the front door
   to welcome guests. It's made from a common species of  diatom
   ( Eucampia zodiacus). Why can  diatoms look so much like stained
   glass windows in a Cathedral?  They're made from opaline silica,
    SiO2 -- the material of  opals and glass.

   Diatoms are critically important in that they're the beginning of the
    food chain.  Aquatic plants (of which diatoms are the most
   prolific) supply  50 percent of the oxygen on Earth, and when they
   die they sink to the bottom of the oceans, acting as a  carbon sink.
   Photo taken on December 2, 2018.
     * Southern Maine Community College, Maine Coordinates:  43.64,
       -70.242

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Plant Links

     *  Discover Life
     *  Tree Encyclopedia
     *  What are Phytoplankton?
     *  Encyclopedia of Life - What is a Plant?
     *  USDA Plants Database
     *  University of Texas Native Plant Database
     *  Plants in Motion
     *  What Tree is It?

-
   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
