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National Marine Sanctuaries Oceanographic Characterization

Abstract

Remote sensing and oceanographic data provide key information to understand the oceanographic environment.  Characterizing the distribution and variability of sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll, suspended sediments, winds, and precipitation can be important to understanding the environmental influences on the variability of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. The variability in these factors has a direct effect on the sea life and habitats for which the Sanctuaries are managed.  Spatial and temporal variability over large areas is difficult to characterize from shipboard or moored measurements, but can be assessed from long-term, well-calibrated satellite data. 

The project is developing such time series data for U.S. coastal regions, utilizing a variety of sources.  These data sets are useful for characterizing the physical oceanographic environment of many of the National Marine Sanctuaries.  Subsets of the data have already been developed for the California Sanctuaries and Stellwagen Bank.  The Olympic Coast Study will result in a refined process to effieciently develop the oceanographic data across all Sanctuaries.

Objectives

In FY06, this project will provide data to the Olypmic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.  These data include:

  • Chlorphyl and Turbidty Monthly and Seasonal means derived from Seawifs data.  September 1997 to December 2005;  
  • Sea Surface Temperature from the NODC 4km Pathfinder version 5 data set. Monthly and Seasonal means, 1985-2005
  • Wind Vector Reanalysis. 7 and 30 day means – all available data;
  • Oceanographic front data.  Monthly and Seasonaly probabilites for 2001 to present.
  • Precipitation – Chlorophyl relational model data sets
  • Grand mean and anomaly products for chlorophyl, turbidity, and SST.

In addition to the GIS compatible data sets, the project will priovide time series analysis of the data sets in spreadsheet formats

Time Frame

2006.

For More Information

Project Manager:
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x233