Dataset: Global SeaWiFS chlorophyll compilation, 1997-2004 (U.S. JGOFS Synthesis & Modeling Phase project results)

Research topic: Large-scale spatial and temporal patterns evident in chlorophyll a imagery

The objective of this proposal is to prepare, and then analyze , global ocean chlorophyll a fields derived from four different satellite ocean color sensors: Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS), Ocean Color and Temperature Scanner (OCTS), POLDER (Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances) and Sea Wide Field Sensor (SeaWiFS). The primary research focus is related to the JGOFS Synthesis and Modeling Program goal (#4 in the SMP Implementation Plan): To assess and implement strategies for scaling data and models to seasonal, annual, and interannual time scales and to regional and global spatial scales.

The sub-objectives are to:

1. put CZCS, POLDER, OCTS and the first three years of SeaWiFS imagery on a common global grid at 0.25 degree resolution and at ca. weekly temporal resolution;
2. put global CZCS, OCTS, POLDER and SeaWiFS chlorophyll a products on a common global grid (0.25 degree resolution) at monthly resolution;
3. compare these fields both in absolute terms and using a relative index for each sensor,
4. select one or more ocean basins for more detailed comparisons of satellite-derived chlorophyll a spatial and temporal variability; and
5. create satellite chlorophyll a time series for large ocean regions. I submit this proposal to SMP for three reasons.

First, I want to work directly with other SMP investigators interested in ocean basin and global synthesis (e.g. Sarmiento, Doney, Najjar, Caldeira, Marshall and others) to make sure that they know what satellite-derived chlorophyll a fields are available to them and then make these data available to interested parties in a form that they can easily use. Second, I want to be sure that SMP investigators are aware of the results from the analyses of these fields as well as some of the limitations, including artifacts, of satellite-derived ocean chlorophyll a fields. Third, I want to work directly with other SMP investigators who are interested in large-scale processes to see if trends evident in basin to global scale satellite chlorophyll a imagery are consistent with results from other data sources and models. Results will be shared with other SMP P.I.s at the annual meetings, which I will attend, and will be provided to those who want to use them to compare with other basin- to global-scale data or model output. I will also present results at scientific meetings and in publications.