Determining Objective Biophysical Provinces from Multiple Satellite Sensor Observations
Maria
Teresa
Kavanaugh, Oregon State University, mkavanau@coas.oregonstate.edu
(Presenting)
Ricardo
Maria
Letelier, Oregon State University, letelier@coas.oregonstate.edu
Yvette
Humberte
Spitz, Oregon State University, yvette@coas.oregonstate.edu
If the structure of marine ecological systems is constrained by physical forcing, biophysical provinces, defined as regions displaying coherent patterns among physical forcing and biological response, may emerge as quasi-stable properties of regional oceans. They therefore may predict differences in phytoplankton community structure and function; marine biomes can facilitate objective comparisons of ecosystem properties in space and time- including their resilience to seasonal and interannual perturbations. However, there remains a considerable need for the development of objective mapping of biophysical provinces in the major regions of the global oceans and an understanding of how these provinces change in time, with different data scale, or with different sensor availability. Using monthly averages of satellite-derived sea-surface temperature, photosynthetically-active radiation, and chlorophyll-a, we have established objective biophysical provinces in the North Pacific Basin and are validating these provinces with available in situ data. In this presentation we will discuss preliminary efforts to determine the effect of different chlorophyll products (i.e. SeaWiFS or MODIS-Aqua), domain size, and season on the total number of distinct provinces and the location of boundaries among provinces. These results will provide intercalibration of sensors with finite mission lengths and thus will allow us to determine the feasibility of creating a long term record of marine biogeographic dynamics.
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