Harmful Bloom in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Normally a picturesque blue lake surrounded by steep volcanoes and Mayan settlements, Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán acquired a film of green scum in October and November 2009.
Harmful Bloom in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
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Harmful Bloom in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Filaments of green scum swirl across the surface of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán in this photo-like image taken by NASA’s EO-1 satellite on November 27, 2009.

Published Dec 3, 2009

Human Presence Water Color

Harmful Bloom in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Image

Harmful Bloom in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

A large bloom of cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae, spread across Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán in green filaments and strands that are clearly visible in this simulated-natural-color image from November 22, 2009.

Published Nov 28, 2009

Image of the Day Life Human Presence Water Color