The significance of PACE lies in its ability to enhance our understanding of phytoplankton populations, which are crucial for marine ecosystems and human health. The article states that PACE's high-resolution instruments will capture fine details about phytoplankton, which "are the basis of the marine food web and generate half of Earth’s oxygen." This highlights their central role in both ecological balance and global oxygen production. Additionally, the text explains that understanding phytoplankton health can help predict harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can "poison animals and humans and disrupt tourism and fishing industries." Thus, by studying these populations, PACE can play a vital role in safeguarding marine resources and public health, illustrating its importance in addressing both environmental and human challenges.
"A Walk Through the Rainbow with PACE"
by Jessica Merzdorf
Why are there so many songs about rainbows? For NASA’s upcoming Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem mission, or PACE, the colors of the rainbow — or, if you prefer, the visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum — are the key to unlocking a wealth of new data on skies and seas around the world.
PACE’s high-resolution instruments will see ocean and atmosphere features in unparalleled detail when the mission launches in 2023. By measuring the intensity of the color that exits Earth’s ocean surface, PACE will capture fine details about phytoplankton — tiny plantlike organisms and algae that live in the ocean — that are the basis of the marine food web and generate half of Earth’s oxygen. Beneficial phytoplankton communities fuel fisheries, but harmful algal blooms (HABs) can poison animals and humans and disrupt tourism and fishing industries. . .
Understanding phytoplankton health can help predict harmful algal blooms, or HABs. When substances from land wash into the ocean, they sometimes become a feast for algae, allowing them to eat, grow and multiply rapidly. HABs can generate harmful toxins that sicken marine wildlife and humans and deplete oxygen in the water as bacteria feed on numerous dead algae.
“Harmful algal blooms are not recent. We have writings from indigenous tribes in the Pacific Northwest that talk about things happening on the beach,” said Cetinić. “It’s just that today we’re looking for it more, and also anthropogenic influences are making blooms more prevalent.”
1 of 2
Question
Use this excerpt from the “A Walk Through the Rainbow with PACE" article to answer the question.
Based on the information in the article, make a logical inference about the significance of PACE and its study of phytoplankton populations. In 3–5 sentences, provide specific evidence from the text to support your inference and explain why your reasoning is logical and valid.
(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
3
The answer is mostly clear.
The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.
There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
2
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is not clear.
There are few or no supporting details.
There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0 The question is not answered.
1 answer