Siegel, David (Dave): UC Santa Barbara (Project Lead)
Project Funding:
2011 - 2014
NRA: 2010 NASA: NPP Science Team for Climate Data Records
Funded by NASA
Abstract:
We propose to continue the Plumes and Blooms (PnB) satellite ocean color observational and analysis program and to use theses observations to understand the quality of NPP data products in the complex coastal environments. The scientific aim of the PnB program is the understanding of the dynamics of sediment plumes and phytoplankton blooms in a complex coastal ocean using satellite, ship & bio-optical glider observations. This aim is well suited for evaluating and creating new NPP ocean color data products. We propose to:
-Continue the monthly field sampling program of optical, biological, biogeochemical & hydrographic parameters in the Santa Barbara Channel
-Use PnB data to evaluate NPP ocean color data products and algorithms
-Supplement the PnB observational program with bimonthly, month-long oceanographic glider deployments of physical and bio-optical parameters
-Understand how phytoplankton functional type (PFT) regulates ocean color and inherent optical property (IOP) variability
-Investigate the relationships among the particle size distribution (PSD) and IOPs and develop methods for the robust assessment of PSD using NPP-VIIRS ocean color imagery
-Use the coupled PnB ship, glider and satellite observations to investigate the dynamics of phytoplankton blooms and sediment plumes in a complex coastal ocean.
Ship time for the PnB field program will continue to be provided in collaboration with the NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. On each PnB cruise, 7 stations are sampled providing a complete bio-optical data set for use in ocean color modeling, satellite data product assessment and interdisciplinary oceanographic science. PnB field observations include water-leaving reflectance spectra, in situ profiles of absorption,
beam attenuation and backscattering spectra as well as in situ PSD profiles using a laser diffraction particle sizer. Water samples are analyzed to determine component absorption spectra and phytoplankton pigment, inorganic nutrient and particulate organic carbon concentrations and, through partnerships with individual researchers, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC, T-Alk and pH), and biogenic and lithogenic silica concentrations. Data are available via the SeaBASS database and the web (www.icess.ucsb.edu/PnB/PnB).
We propose to supplement the ship sampling to include bimonthly oceanographic glider observations which was recently purchased by the S.B. Coastal Long-Term Ecological Research site (SBC LTER). Funds are requested to conduct up to six month-long glider missions each year in collaboration with SBC LTER. The glider will greatly improve spatial-temporal sampling of the Santa Barbara Channel and will quantify uncertainties due to under-sampling of extreme conditions expected when using satellite observations alone.
The PnB data set is excellent for developing, implementing and validating satellite ocean color algorithms because of the breadth of measurements made, the inherent variability of bio-optical conditions sampled and the large number of stations sampled each year. PnB is particularly well suited for characterizing PFT amplitudes statistically, thereby creating the opportunity for quantifying the role(s) that PFTs play in IOP variability and their role in ocean color data products. Similarly, the PnB data set is well poised for investigating the relationships among the PSD and IOPs enabling new algorithms for the remote assessment of the PSD for NPP-VIIRS to be developed. This project will enable the synthesis of the dynamics of complex coastal processes using satellite, ship and glider observations while still providing an excellent vehicle for validating and creating new NPP-VIIRS satellite ocean color data products.
This proposal responds to sections 2.1(evaluate ocean color EDRs), 2.2 (cal/val) and 2.3 (develop innovative applications)in the NPP Science Team for Climate Data Records 2010 ROSES call & contributes to the NPP Science Team.
2011 NASA Carbon Cycle & Ecosystems Joint Science Workshop Poster(s)
- NRC Study to Assess Requirements for Sustained Ocean Color Research and Operations.
-- (James Yoder, Claudia Mengelt)
[abstract]
[poster]
More details may be found in the following project profile(s):
