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Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecasting

Data Support and Analyses for Long Bay Hypoxia Study

Abstract

CCMA and the Hollings Marine Lab (HML), in coordination with SC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (SC OCRM), are collaborating on a project (1 year funding) to develop a framework for forecasting environmental and human health risks across estuarine and coastal habitats and watersheds in the Southeast (SC, NC, GA, FL). As part of original project requirements, CCMA was tasked to deliver Long Bay imagery (chlorophyll and turbidity) and relevant climate data to HML. Concurrent with the HML work, the University of South Carolina (USC) was funded through the Sea Grant Consortium to perform a numerical study of the physical conditions leading to Hypoxia events in Long Bay, SC. USC researchers have requested further collaborative involvement from CCMA to relate observed patterns of oceanographic variability from satellite with wind and precipitation forcing events, and patterns in SST. Follow-up activities (research methods, results) conducted by COAST Team scientists could be applied in NMS and NERRS and other Marine Managed Areas and made available to investigators for the South Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEA-COOS).

Objectives

A capability exists within CCMA to apply remote sensing data for numerical modeling guidance and validation in U.S. coastal environments. For this project, we evaluate environmental conditions surrounding the hypoxia event in Long Bay (summer 2004) using satellite monitoring and long term climatological information. Time series information of climate and oceanographic variables in and around Long Bay, SC will be used to characterize monthly anomaly patterns of oceanographic variability, identify connections between land and ocean variables, and test and interpret levels of wind forcing in months preceding and following the hypoxic event in 2004. A four tiered (Phase) approach will be used to interpret oceanographic conditions in the region-1) Data aggregation and assimilation, 2) Seasonal status development, 3) Classification development 4) Anomaly testing and interpretation. Phase 1 requirements are part of original HML deliverables. Phase 2-6 would be part of collaborative research effort with USC and the SC OCRM. After completion of Phases 2-6, scientific findings relevant to hypoxia forecasting would be published and/or made available to the South Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEA-COOS) Program.

Time Frame

2007.

For More Information

Project Manager:
Doug.Pirhalla@noaa.gov
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x167