{"id":348338,"date":"2026-01-13T15:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T05:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T15:01:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T05:01:00","slug":"a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=348338","title":{"rendered":"A Plume of Bright Blue in Melissa\u2019s Wake"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center 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decoding=\"async\" slot=\"first\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg\" alt=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" slot=\"second\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg\" alt=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/img-comparison-slider><\/p>\n<div class=\"curtain-view-label-wrapper curtain-view-before\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"curtain-view-label\">September 20, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"curtain-view-label-wrapper curtain-view-after\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"curtain-view-label\">October 30, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- toggle view --><\/p>\n<div class=\"toggle-comparison-parent\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- if image_1 is active the show image_1 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover toggle-view-image toggle-view-before-image toggle-view-active\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1507\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"A satellite image shows a portion of the dark blue Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. A submerged carbonate platform appears as a slightly brighter blue area of water in the center. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=300&#038;h=235&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=768&#038;h=603&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=804&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1206&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=400&#038;h=314&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=600&#038;h=471&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=900&#038;h=706&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=942&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A satellite image shows a portion of the dark blue Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. A submerged carbonate platform appears as a slightly brighter blue area of water in the center. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA Earth Observatory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<!-- if image_2 is active the show image_2 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover toggle-view-image toggle-view-after-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1507\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"A satellite image shows a portion of the Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. Much of the water in the middle third of the image is bright blue due to suspended sediment. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=300&#038;h=235&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=768&#038;h=603&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=804&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1206&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=400&#038;h=314&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=600&#038;h=471&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=900&#038;h=706&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=942&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A satellite image shows a portion of the Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. Much of the water in the middle third of the image is bright blue due to suspended sediment. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA Earth Observatory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"toggle-button-container padding-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle-view-before-button toggle-comparison-view-active margin-right-1px\"><span class=\"toggle-view-before-label\">September 20, 2025<\/span><\/button><button class=\"toggle-view-after-button margin-left-1px\"><span class=\"toggle-view-after-label\">October 30, 2025<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- 2-up view --><\/p>\n<div class=\"two-up-view position-relative bg-carbon-10\">\n<div class=\"grid-row\">\n<div class=\"grid-col flex-3 padding-top-4 padding-bottom-4\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1507\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"A satellite image shows a portion of the dark blue Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. A submerged carbonate platform appears as a slightly brighter blue area of water in the center. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=300&#038;h=235&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=768&#038;h=603&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=804&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1206&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=400&#038;h=314&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=600&#038;h=471&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=900&#038;h=706&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=942&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A satellite image shows a portion of the dark blue Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. A submerged carbonate platform appears as a slightly brighter blue area of water in the center. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA Earth Observatory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bg-spacesuit-white width-2px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col flex-3 padding-top-4 padding-bottom-4\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1507\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"A satellite image shows a portion of the Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. Much of the water in the middle third of the image is bright blue due to suspended sediment. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=300&#038;h=235&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=768&#038;h=603&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=804&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1206&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=400&#038;h=314&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=600&#038;h=471&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=900&#038;h=706&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=942&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A satellite image shows a portion of the Caribbean Sea near Jamaica. Much of the water in the middle third of the image is bright blue due to suspended sediment. The mostly green island of Jamaica is in the upper right, and scattered clouds are present throughout.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA Earth Observatory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"curtain-view-label-wrapper curtain-view-before\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"curtain-view-label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 20, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"curtain-view-label-wrapper curtain-view-after\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"curtain-view-label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 30, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- Under image content --><\/p>\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-row title-row padding-x-2 desktop:padding-x-0 padding-top-2\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6\">\n<p class=\"before-after-heading margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBefore and After\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 button-row margin-bottom-3 tablet:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Update onClick handlers --><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Curtain view\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"comparison-view curtain-view-button comparison-view-active padding-bottom-1 margin-left-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>Curtain<\/button><button\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Toggle view\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"comparison-view toggle-view-button padding-bottom-1 margin-left-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>Toggle<\/button><button\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Two-Up view\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"comparison-view two-up-view-button padding-bottom-1 margin-left-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>2-Up<\/button>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t<!-- Image detail area --><\/p>\n<div class=\"image-details-panel padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"before-after-details-divider padding-y-2\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- OnClick handleImageDetailsClick --><button class=\"image-details-toggle-button\"><span>Image Details<\/span><!-- style - if showImageDetails, then transform rotate(180deg), else none --><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"14\" height=\"15\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"7\" cy=\"7.5\" r=\"6.5\" stroke=\"#58585B\" \/><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.0002 8.23854L9.26318 5.95996L9.80019 6.50067L7.0002 9.31996L4.2002 6.50067L4.73721 5.95996L7.0002 8.23854Z\" fill=\"#58585B\" \/><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- if showImageDetails, then display --><\/p>\n<div id=\"image-details\" class=\" padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row\">\n<div class=\"grid-col flex-2\">\n<div class=\"image-details-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- File List --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a category 5 storm, bringing sustained winds of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/archive\/2025\/al13\/al132025.update.10281700.shtml\" rel=\"noopener\">295 kilometers<\/a> (185 miles) per hour and leaving a broad path of destruction on the island. The storm displaced tens of thousands of people, damaged or destroyed more than 100,000 structures, inflicted costly damage on farmland, and left the nation\u2019s forests <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests\/\" rel=\"noopener\">brown and battered<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to landfall, in the waters south of the island, the hurricane created a large-scale natural oceanography experiment. Before encountering land and proceeding north, the monster storm crawled over the Caribbean Sea, churning up the water below. A couple of days later, a break in the clouds revealed what researchers believe could be a once-in-a-century event.<\/p>\n<p>On October 30, 2025, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/modis.gsfc.nasa.gov\/about\/\" rel=\"noopener\">MODIS<\/a>\u00a0(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/terra.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Terra<\/a>\u00a0satellite acquired this image (right) of the waters south of Jamaica. Vast areas are colored bright blue by sediment stirred up from a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carbonate_platform\" rel=\"noopener\">carbonate platform<\/a> called Pedro Bank. This plateau, submerged under about 25 meters (80 feet) of water, is slightly larger in area than the state of Delaware. For comparison, the left image was acquired by the same sensor on September 20, before the storm.<\/p>\n<p>Pedro Bank is deep enough that it is only faintly visible in natural color satellite images most of the time. However, with enough disruption from hurricanes or strong cold fronts, its existence becomes more evident to satellites. Suspended calcium carbonate (CaCO<sub>3<\/sub>) mud, consisting primarily of remnants of marine organisms that live on the plateau, turns the water a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/article\/20180816-the-rare-blue-the-mayans-invented\" rel=\"noopener\">Maya blue<\/a> color. The appearance of this type of material contrasts with the greenish-brown color of sediment carried out to sea by swollen rivers on Jamaica\u2019s southern coast.<\/p>\n<p>As an intense storm that lingered in the vicinity of the bank, Hurricane Melissa generated \u201ctremendous stirring power\u201d in the water column, said James Acker, a data support scientist at the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center with a particular interest in these events. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/lch\/2024Beryl\" rel=\"noopener\">Hurricane Beryl<\/a> caused some brightening around Pedro Bank in July 2024, \u201cbut nothing like this,\u201d he said. \u201cWhile we always have to acknowledge the human cost of a disaster, this is an extraordinary geophysical image.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1507\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A bathymetric map of part of the Caribbean Sea shows Jamaica in the upper right and the large, flat-topped Pedro Bank at the center, which sits 20 to 30 meters below the surface and displays steep edges. Several smaller shallow shelves appear in the lower left.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1507&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=300&#038;h=235&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=768&#038;h=603&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=804&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1206&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=400&#038;h=314&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=600&#038;h=471&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=900&#038;h=706&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=942&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sediment suspension was visible on Pedro and other nearby shallow banks, indicating that Melissa affected a total area of about 37,500 square kilometers\u2014more than three times the area of Jamaica\u2014on October 30, said sedimentologist\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Jude-Wilber\" rel=\"noopener\">Jude Wilber<\/a>, who tracked the plume\u2019s progression using multiple satellite sensors. Having studied carbonate sediment transport for decades, he believes the Pedro Bank event was the largest observed in the satellite era. \u201cIt was extraordinary to see the sediment dispersed over such a large area,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The sediment acted as a tracer, illuminating currents and eddies near the surface. Some extended into the flow field of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribbean_Current\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribbean_Current\" rel=\"noopener\">Caribbean Current<\/a> heading west and north, while other patterns suggested the influence of <a href=\"https:\/\/scied.ucar.edu\/learning-zone\/earth-system\/how-ocean-moves-ekman-transport\" rel=\"noopener\">Ekman transport<\/a>, Wilber said. The scientists also noted complexities in the south-flowing plume, which divided into three parts after encountering several small reefs. Sinking sediment in the easternmost arm exhibited a cascading <a href=\"https:\/\/browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu\/?zoom=10&#038;lat=15.57674&#038;%23038;lng=-78.08052&#038;%23038;themeId=DEFAULT-THEME&#038;%23038;visualizationUrl=U2FsdGVkX1%2BBWEbeWoV4hy6QU0odpBQGOZC7dr21KjieayyR4DFnx1ZnQSDP4KD5b7zT81YRwp0LvrLEZxFRRf7eQ%2FcTYQLG9ejLqMW95UTyIWo90ZxLAwt2X5l4C%2F5Q&#038;%23038;datasetId=S2_L2A_CDAS&#038;%23038;fromTime=2025-10-30T00%3A00%3A00.000Z&#038;%23038;toTime=2025-10-30T23%3A59%3A59.999Z&#038;%23038;layerId=1_TRUE_COLOR&#038;%23038;demSource3D=%22MAPZEN%22&#038;%23038;cloudCoverage=30&#038;%23038;dateMode=SINGLE\" rel=\"noopener\">stair-step pattern<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Like in other resuspension events, the temporary coloration of the water faded after about seven days as sediment settled. But changes to Pedro Bank itself may be more long-lasting. \u201cI suspect this hurricane was so strong that it produced what I would call a \u2018wipe\u2019 of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/earth-and-planetary-sciences\/benthos\" rel=\"noopener\">benthic\u00a0ecosystem<\/a>,\u201d Wilber said. Seagrasses, algae, and other organisms living on and around the bank were likely decimated, and it is unknown how repopulation of the area will unfold.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=1440&#038;h=1046&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1046\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=1440&#038;h=1046&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A sediment sample from Pedro Bank includes white globular pieces of calcified algae measuring several inches in diameter and smaller flaky white macroalgae remnants.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=1440&#038;h=1046&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1440w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=300&#038;h=218&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=768&#038;h=558&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=744&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=400&#038;h=291&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=600&#038;h=436&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=900&#038;h=654&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_sediments_pho.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=872&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Sediments from the top of Pedro Bank contain masses of calcified red algae, flaky sands made of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halimeda\"  rel=\"noopener\">Halimeda<\/a> macroalgae remnants, and carbonate mud. The wing-like shape of Halimeda sand allows it to be lifted and transported while waters are turbulent, and finer mud remains suspended longer. These samples were acquired during a research expedition in the winter of 1987-1988 and are archived at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Photo by Jude Wilber, January 8, 2026.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Perhaps most consequentially for Earth\u2019s oceans, however, is the effect of the sediment suspension event on the planet\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/serc.carleton.edu\/eslabs\/carbon\/6a.html\" rel=\"noopener\">carbon cycle<\/a>. Tropical cyclones are an important way for carbon in shallow-water marine sediments to reach deeper waters, where it can remain sequestered for the long term. At depth, carbonate sediments will also dissolve, another important process in the oceanic carbon system.<\/p>\n<p>Near-continuous ocean observations by satellites have <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/dep2.70014\" rel=\"noopener\">enabled greater understanding<\/a> of these events and their carbon cycling. Acker and Wilber have worked on remote-sensing methods to quantify how much sediment reaches the deep ocean following the turbulence of tropical cyclones, including recently with <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ECRS2023-16656\" rel=\"noopener\">Hurricane Ian<\/a> over the West Florida Shelf. Now, hyperspectral observations from NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/pace\" rel=\"noopener\">PACE<\/a> (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/pace-makes-it-to-space-152424\/\" rel=\"noopener\">launched<\/a>\u00a0in February 2024, are poised to build on that progress, Acker said.<\/p>\n<p>The phenomenon at Pedro Bank following Hurricane Melissa provided a singular opportunity to study this and other complex ocean processes\u2014a large natural experiment that could not be accomplished any other way. Researchers will be further investigating a range of physical, geochemical, and biological aspects illuminated by this occurrence. As Wilber put it: \u201cThis event is a whole course in oceanography.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><em>NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.earthdata.nasa.gov\/data\/projects\/lance\" rel=\"noopener\">EOSDIS LANCE<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">GIBS\/Worldview<\/a>, and ocean bathymetry data from the British Oceanographic Data Center\u2019s General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gebco.net\/\" rel=\"noopener\">GEBCO<\/a>). Photo by Jude Wilber.\u00a0Story by\u00a0Lindsey Doermann.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>References &#038; Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acker, J.G. and Wilber, R.J. (2025) <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/dep2.70014\" rel=\"noopener\">The first 25\u2009years of satellite carbonate sedimentology: What have we learned?<\/a> <em>The Depositional Record<\/em>, 11(3), 975-997. In: Kump, L.R., Ingalls, M., and Hine, A.C. (eds) <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/toc\/10.1002\/(ISSN)2055-4877.carbonate-depositional-environment\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Carbonate depositional environments: Past and future questions\u2014A Tribute to the career of E.A. Shinn<\/em><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Acker, J.G. and Wilber, R.J. (2024) <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ECRS2023-16656\" rel=\"noopener\">Satellite-Derived Estimates of Suspended CaCO<sub>3<\/sub>\u00a0Mud Concentrations from the West Florida Shelf Induced by Hurricane Ian<\/a>.\u00a0<em>Environmental Sciences Proceedings<\/em>, 29(1):69.<\/li>\n<li>EBSCO Research Starters (2024) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebsco.com\/research-starters\/oceanography\/carbonate-compensation-depths\" rel=\"noopener\">Carbonate Compensation Depths<\/a>. Accessed January 9, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earth Observatory (2025, November 25) <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests\/\" rel=\"noopener\">A Direct Hit on Jamaican Forests<\/a>. Accessed January 9, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earth Observatory (2023, April 6) <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/stirring-up-carbonate-in-the-coral-sea-151169\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Stirring Up Carbonate in the Coral Sea<\/a>. Accessed January 9, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-featured-file-list bg-spacesuit-white padding-x-2 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-4 padding-y-5 desktop:padding-y-6 hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-file-list\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row width-full margin-bottom-4\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<h2 role=\"textbox\" class=\"heading-22\">\n\t\t\t\t\tDownloads\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col display-flex flex-align-center desktop:flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-row hds-file-list-row\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail hds-file-list-thumbnail\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail-inner hds-file-list-thumbnail-inner hds-cover-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1580\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"A satellite view of part of the Caribbean Sea shows Jamaica in the upper right and light blue waters over a submerged carbonate platform in the center.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" data-video-loop=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=300&#038;h=247&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=768&#038;h=632&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=843&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1264&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=400&#038;h=329&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=600&#038;h=494&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=900&#038;h=741&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=988&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-details\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-name hds-file-list-name\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">September 20, 2025<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-list-date hds-file-list-date\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-file-list-filetype\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">JPEG (1.75 MB)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-cta hds-file-list-download\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/content\/dam\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20250920_lrg.jpg\"  download rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"16\" cy=\"16.0001\" r=\"16\" fill=\"#1C67E3\"\/><path d=\"M15.2357 8.00007L15.2357 16.4829L11.9504 13.4078L10.8801 14.4094L16.0001 19.2001L21.1201 14.4094L20.0499 13.4078L16.7645 16.4829L16.7645 8.00007L15.2357 8.00007Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.6 20.8001V18.4001H8V22.4001H24V18.4001H22.4V20.8001H9.6Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-row hds-file-list-row\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail hds-file-list-thumbnail\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail-inner hds-file-list-thumbnail-inner hds-cover-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1580\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"A satellite view of part of the Caribbean Sea shows Jamaica in the upper right and brighter, milky blue water in the center over Pedro Bank, indicating suspended sediment.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" data-video-loop=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=300&#038;h=247&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=768&#038;h=632&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=843&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1264&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=400&#038;h=329&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=600&#038;h=494&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=900&#038;h=741&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=988&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-details\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-name hds-file-list-name\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">October 30, 2025<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-list-date hds-file-list-date\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-file-list-filetype\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">JPEG (1.46 MB)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-cta hds-file-list-download\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/content\/dam\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobanksediment_tmo_20251030_lrg.jpg\"  download rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"16\" cy=\"16.0001\" r=\"16\" fill=\"#1C67E3\"\/><path d=\"M15.2357 8.00007L15.2357 16.4829L11.9504 13.4078L10.8801 14.4094L16.0001 19.2001L21.1201 14.4094L20.0499 13.4078L16.7645 16.4829L16.7645 8.00007L15.2357 8.00007Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.6 20.8001V18.4001H8V22.4001H24V18.4001H22.4V20.8001H9.6Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-row hds-file-list-row\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail hds-file-list-thumbnail\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail-inner hds-file-list-thumbnail-inner hds-cover-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1580\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"A bathymetric map of part of the Caribbean Sea shows Jamaica in the upper right and the large, flat-topped Pedro Bank at the center, which sits 20 to 30 meters below the surface and displays steep edges. Several smaller shallow shelves appear in the lower left.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" data-video-loop=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1580&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=300&#038;h=247&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=768&#038;h=632&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=843&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1264&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=400&#038;h=329&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=600&#038;h=494&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=900&#038;h=741&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa\u2019s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=988&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-details\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-name hds-file-list-name\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">Bathymetric Map<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-list-date hds-file-list-date\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-file-list-filetype\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">JPEG (1.18 MB)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-cta hds-file-list-download\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/content\/dam\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissa%E2%80%99s-wake\/pedrobank_gebco_map_lrg.jpg\"  download rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"16\" cy=\"16.0001\" r=\"16\" fill=\"#1C67E3\"\/><path d=\"M15.2357 8.00007L15.2357 16.4829L11.9504 13.4078L10.8801 14.4094L16.0001 19.2001L21.1201 14.4094L20.0499 13.4078L16.7645 16.4829L16.7645 8.00007L15.2357 8.00007Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.6 20.8001V18.4001H8V22.4001H24V18.4001H22.4V20.8001H9.6Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-content-lists-inner hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-content-lists\">\n<div id=\"content-list-6965d285562b3\" class=\"hds-content-lists margin-y-3 padding-x-0 bg-spacesuit-white width-full maxw-full\" data-starting-query=\"{\"block_id\":\"content-list-6965d285562b3\",\"categories\":\"\",\"content_categories\":\"\",\"exclude_child_terms\":false,\"exclude_child_pages\":false,\"layout\":\"grid\",\"listing_page\":\"no\",\"listing_page_category_id\":2151,\"meta_fields\":[],\"news_tags\":\"\",\"number_of_items\":3,\"order\":\"DESC\",\"orderby\":\"date\",\"current_page\":1,\"requesting_id\":1164883,\"science_only\":false,\"search_query\":\"\",\"show_content_type_tags\":\"yes\",\"show_excerpts\":\"yes\",\"show_pagination\":true,\"show_publish_date\":\"no\",\"show_readtime\":\"yes\",\"show_thumbnails\":\"yes\",\"science_org\":\"\",\"content_science_orgs\":\"\",\"internal_terms\":\"\",\"mission_programs\":\"\",\"mission_status\":\"\",\"mission_target\":\"\",\"mission_type\":\"\",\"response_format\":\"html\",\"show_drafts\":false,\"related_content\":\"1165180,1176551,1165428,1165229,1165322,1165188,1165091,1165451,1184593,1165237\",\"use_content_term_filters\":false,\"filter_logic\":\"default\",\"post_types\":\"any\",\"base_terms\":\"{\"category\":\"\",\"science-org\":\"6478\",\"internal-terms\":\"\",\"news-tags\":\"\"}\"}\" data-current-query=\"{\"block_id\":\"content-list-6965d285562b3\",\"categories\":\"\",\"content_categories\":\"\",\"exclude_child_terms\":false,\"exclude_child_pages\":false,\"layout\":\"grid\",\"listing_page\":\"no\",\"listing_page_category_id\":2151,\"meta_fields\":[],\"news_tags\":\"\",\"number_of_items\":3,\"order\":\"DESC\",\"orderby\":\"date\",\"current_page\":1,\"requesting_id\":1164883,\"science_only\":false,\"search_query\":\"\",\"show_content_type_tags\":\"yes\",\"show_excerpts\":\"yes\",\"show_pagination\":true,\"show_publish_date\":\"no\",\"show_readtime\":\"yes\",\"show_thumbnails\":\"yes\",\"science_org\":\"\",\"content_science_orgs\":\"\",\"internal_terms\":\"\",\"mission_programs\":\"\",\"mission_status\":\"\",\"mission_target\":\"\",\"mission_type\":\"\",\"response_format\":\"html\",\"show_drafts\":false,\"related_content\":\"1165180,1176551,1165428,1165229,1165322,1165188,1165091,1165451,1184593,1165237\",\"use_content_term_filters\":false,\"filter_logic\":\"default\",\"post_types\":\"any\",\"base_terms\":\"{\"category\":\"\",\"science-org\":\"6478\",\"internal-terms\":\"\",\"news-tags\":\"\"}\"}\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-widescreen padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-start margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<h2 class=\"section-heading-sm line-height-sm\">You may also be interested in:<\/h2>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-2 maxh-tablet\">Stay up-to-date with the latest content from NASA as we explore the universe and discover more about our home planet.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container grid-container-block padding-0 margin-0 flex-justify-center\">\n<div class=\" grid-col-12\">\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\" style=\"display: block\">\n<div id=\"filter-tags\" class=\"grid-col-12 filter-tags-container\"><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"smd-orbit-loader\" role=\"status\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"orbit-plane\"><span class=\"orbit-dot\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-list-container\" class=\"hds-content-items hds-content-items-grid margin-top-2\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-rest-url=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/smd\/v1\/content-list\">\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/hurricane-erin-roils-in-the-atlantic-154694\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/imagerecords\/154000\/154694\/hurricaneerin_tmo_20250818.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/imagerecords\/154000\/154694\/hurricaneerin_tmo_20250818.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/hurricane-erin-roils-in-the-atlantic-154694\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">Hurricane Erin Roils in the Atlantic<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    3 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">The major hurricane steered clear of land but delivered tropical storm conditions to coastal areas along its path.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2025\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests-\/hurricanemelissa_oli2_20251103_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2025\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests-\/hurricanemelissa_oli2_20251103_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-direct-hit-on-jamaican-forests\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">A Direct Hit on Jamaican Forests\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    6 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">Hurricane Melissa left the island nation\u2019s forests brown and battered, but they won\u2019t stay that way for long.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/land-of-many-waters-and-much-sediment-154830\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/imagerecords\/154000\/154830\/guyanarivers_oli_20230816.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/imagerecords\/154000\/154830\/guyanarivers_oli_20230816.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/land-of-many-waters-and-much-sediment-154830\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">Land of Many Waters and Much Sediment<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    4 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">The Guiana Shield\u2019s rugged terrain shapes Guyana\u2019s waterways, but mining has altered their clarity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"pagination-container\" class=\"pagination\">\n<nav class=\"hds-pagination hds-pagination--content-lists\" role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Pagination Navigation\" data-mid-size=\"2\" data-end-size=\"1\" data-max-pages=\"4\" >\n<span aria-current=\"page\" class=\"page-numbers current\" aria-label=\"Current Page, Page 1\" aria-current=\"true\" data-page-number=\"1\"><br \/>\n<span>1<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 2\" data-page-number=\"2\"><br \/>\n<span>2<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 3\" data-page-number=\"3\"><br \/>\n<span>3<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 4\" data-page-number=\"4\"><br \/>\n<span>4<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"next page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-plume-of-bright-blue-in-melissas-wake\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Next Page\" data-page-number=\"2\">Next<\/a><br \/>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=585&#038;h=425&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=585&#038;h=425&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 585w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=300&#038;h=218&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, 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loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=2500&#038;h=1407&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2500w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, 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https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1126&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/explore\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Explore Earth Science<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle 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https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=768&#038;h=768&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1536&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=400&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=600&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=900&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=1200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/data\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Earth Science Data<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" 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near Jamaica in what scientists believe is the largest such event in the satellite record.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16994,17051,15645],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-348338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-earth-observatory","category-hurricanes-typhoons","category-oceans"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=348338"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":348339,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348338\/revisions\/348339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=348338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=348338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=348338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}