Spatio-temporal distribution of chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature and wind speed using aqua-modis satellite imagery over the Savu Sea, Indonesia

Max Rudolf Muskananfola,Jumsar Jumsar,Anindya Wirasatriya

doi:10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100483

Max Rudolf Muskananfola, Jumsar Jumsar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100483

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Abstract

The climatological means and annual variation of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface wind (SSW) from 2002 to 2016 in the Savu Sea (SS) within Indonesia were analysed. Chl-a variability and SST information was used as a reference in determining potential fishing grounds. The research aimed to investigate the variability of Chl-a and SST along with the influencing factor of the Australian-Indonesian Monsoon (AIM) winds. The study was conducted in SS waters, in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, using 15 years of monthly Aqua MODIS Level 3 data. The retrieved data were corrected geometrically and radiometrically and then analysed to produce mean climatology data. The results indicated that the spatial and temporal AIM winds had a significant influence on the Chl-a concentration and the SST in SS waters. There was a two-month delay in the peak concentration of Chl-a/SST; moreover, the AIM wind speed, which peaks in June, was not followed by either the SST minima or the Chl-a maxima, which occur in August. The level of Chl-a in the SS waters showed seasonal patterns, with the highest concentration occurring during the east season (June–August), the peak concentration being 0.52 mg m−3, alongside a wind speed of 5.42 m s−1 and an SST of 22.89 °C in August. Meanwhile, the lowest concentration of Chl-a 0.17 mg m−3 occurred in February during the west season (December–February), with a wind speed of 2.10 m s−1 and an SST of 29.57 °C. Three specific areas showed characteristics that differed from the general pattern of the monsoon winds’ effects on Chl-a and SST in the SS. This study provides the latest description of Chl-a, SST and wind speed distribution at seasonal and spatial scales and their variability across the Savu Sea. The results of this study are essential for fishing catching activities and fisheries management in the region.

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