Abstract
The success of ocean-color observations from space has raised interests in the application of this technology to ecosystem models. We investigated the time series of SeaWiFS data near the Azores during the first half of 1998, with the intention of testing a plankton ecosystem model. Results show that the data are very patchy, due to mesoscale variability and cloud mask gaps. The general approach of taking averages of these patchy observations introduces a bias and provides only limited information. Based on our knowledge and experience with spring blooms for characteristic subdivisions of the world's oceans, we propose a new approach: apply a four-parameter Gaussian curve fit to the gappy time series at each grid, and then extract for four parameters. These are the background chlorophyll, the increase in chlorophyll at the height of the bloom, the timing of the maximum, and a width parameter related to the duration of the bloom. Histograms of these parameters can then be compared to similar measures derived from an ecosystem model. This provides an effective way to test the model and compare its bloom dynamics with that of the satellite observations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.