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Plumes and Blooms: Modeling the Case II Waters of the Santa Barbara ChannelThe goal of the Plumes and Blooms (PnB) project is to develop, validate and apply to imagery state-of-the-art ocean color algorithms for quantifying sediment plumes and phytoplankton blooms for the Case II environment of the Santa Barbara Channel. We conduct monthly to twice-monthly transect observations across the Santa Barbara Channel to develop an algorithm development and product validation data set. The PnB field program started in the summer of 1996. At each of the 7 PnB stations, a complete verification bio-geo-optical data set is collected. Included are redundant measures of apparent optical properties (remote sensing reflectance and diffuse attenuation spectra), as well as in situ profiles of spectral absorption, beam attenuation and backscattering coefficients. Water samples are analyzed for component in vivo absorption spectra, fluorometric chlorophyll, phytoplankton pigment (by the SDSU CHORS laboratory), and inorganic nutrient concentrations. A primary goal is to use the PnB field data set to objectively tune semi-analytical models of ocean color for this site and apply them using available satellite imagery (SeaWiFS and MODIS). In support of this goal, we have also been addressing SeaWiFS ocean color and AVHRR SST imagery. We also are using the PnB data set to address time/space variability of water masses in the Santa Barbara Channel and its relationship to the 1997/1998 El Nino. However, the comparison between PnB field observations and satellite estimates of primary products has been disappointing. We find that field estimates of water-leaving radiance, L(sub wN)(lambda), correspond poorly to satellite estimates for both SeaWiFS and MODIS local area coverage imagery. We believe this is due to poor atmospheric correction due to complex mixtures of aerosol types found in these near-coastal regions. Last, we remain active in outreach activities.
Document ID
20040067991
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Siegel, D. A. (California Univ. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Maritorena, S. (California Univ. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Nelson, N. B. (California Univ. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: SIMBIOS Project; 2003 Annual Report
Subject Category
Oceanography
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA Order 00201
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20040067974Collected WorksSIMBIOS Project; 2003 Annual Report
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