Thermostat Regulating the Heat of the Earth

Planktons are known as the food source for whales. Did you know that these microscopic beings that lives in the ocean contribute to the formation of the clouds that are thousands of meters above themselves?

Most plankton produces a chemical material called dimethyl sulphide. This chemical combines with oxgygen and becomes sulfate. Sulfates form the condensation nuclei for the water vapour on the surface of the ocean and thus form clouds. These nuclei do not cause rain as they are too big; nevertheless they prevent clouds from reflecting or absorbing the rays coming from the sun. This is called “albedo,” the albedo of an object is a measure of how strongly it reflects light from light sources such as the Sun. Dimethyl sulphide increases albedo. Thus, clouds reflect the rays coming from the sun; accordingly the solar rays reaching the earth also decrease. Plankton that many of us have never seen even once in our lives, have a significant role within the very delicate ecological balance of the world.  Due to these tiny creatures consuming sulphur in the ocean; solar rays are kept in balance and do not overreach the earth and as a result the temperature does not increase much. This phenomenon prevents the earth’s surface from being torrid and enables a livable atmosphere.

Contribution to the life on earth, performed by these organisms – whose role perhaps many of us have heard of for the very first time- is only one example of all the magnificent creations of our Lord.