Using MODIS medium-resolution bands to monitor harmful algal blooms

Mati Kahru; B. Greg Mitchell; Anibal Diaz

doi:10.1117/12.615625

18 August 2005 Using MODIS medium-resolution bands to monitor harmful algal blooms

Mati Kahru, B. Greg Mitchell, Anibal Diaz

Proceedings Volume 5885, Remote Sensing of the Coastal Oceanic Environment; 58850K (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615625
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

MODIS medium-resolution (250- and 500-m) bands were successfully used to detect and map the distribution of a harmful phytoplankton bloom (HAB) in the Paracas Bay, Peru, that caused economic losses estimated at about $28.5 million. A Red-Green-Blue combination of bands 1, 4 and 3 was used to visually distinguish the HAB while the turbidity index, a semi-quantitative measure of the amount of particulate material in the near-surface water, was used to estimate the intensity of the HAB. The turbidity index was inversely correlated with oxygen concentration in the bay. Temporary anoxia caused by the HAB was probably the main mechanism causing fish kills. The 250-m resolution provided by MODIS bands 1 and 2 is essential to detect localized HABs in coastal areas. While turbidity is not specific to algal blooms, it is a quantitative estimate of the intensity of the bloom once the existence of the bloom is detected by the RGB images.

Citation Download Citation

Mati Kahru, B. Greg Mitchell, and Anibal Diaz "Using MODIS medium-resolution bands to monitor harmful algal blooms", Proc. SPIE 5885, Remote Sensing of the Coastal Oceanic Environment, 58850K (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615625

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available