VARIABILITY OF CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION AND SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF NATUNA WATERS

Abstract

<p>Variability of chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) in Natuna waters were analyzed using satellite data Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA-AVHRR). SeaWiFS data with a resolution of 9×9 km2 and AVHRR with a resolution of 4×4 km2 were the monthly average data downloaded from NASA website. Chlorophyll-a concentrations and SST were estimated using OC4v4 and MCSST algorithms. In general, the concentration of chlorophyll-a in Natuna waters ranged between 0.11-4.92 mg/m3 with an average of 0.56 mg/m3 during the west season and 0.09-2.93 mg/m3 with an average of 0.66 mg/m3 during the east season. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were relatively high seen in coastal areas, especially around the mouth of the Kapuas, Musi, and Batang Hari rivers allegedly caused by the high nutrient intake from the mainland. SST variability in Natuna waters ranged from 23.46-30.88 °C during the west season and tended to be lower than that the east season (27.91-31.95 °C). In addition, the SST values tended to be lower in the offshore than that inshore. During the west season (Nov-Feb) and the transitional season (Apr) in the years of Elnino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the concentration of chlorophyll-a and the SST in Natuna waters was generally higher than that in non-ENSO years. The results of wind analyses showed that ENSO caused the change of direction and speed of wind from its normal conditions.</p><p>Keywords: Sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a, Natuna waters, ENSO, SeaWiFS, AVHRR</p>