With the access to national (contiguous 48 states) coverage of SeaWiFS ocean color data, we have the potential to describe chlorophyll and turbidity patterns with a seasonal update. The goal is to produce a product that seasonally (and ultimately monthly) shows the US coastal turbidity and chlorophyll conditions of the last season. This would be similar to the Weather Service evaluation of precipitation and temperature for the states. Chlorophyll and turbidity are two indicators of eutrophication and of water quality. Presenting these to the public can provide a visible example of our capabilities.
There are two main objectives of this project. The Seasonal Oceanography research project will (1) develop a seasonal assessment of chlorophyll and turbidity within the contiguous United States coastal zone, to be published and regularly updated via a World Wide Web (WWW) site. Various algorithms will be applied to satellite image products in order to accurately detect and monitor chlorophyll concentrations and light availability (turbidity). (2) A WWW site will be designed and created as a means to present the chlorophyll and turbidity data to customers.
Completed.
Project Manager: Lisa.Ojanen@noaa.gov
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x189
