Manifestation specifics of hydrodynamic processes in satellite images of intense phytoplankton bloom areas

Abstract

The paper summarizes the results of the long-term complex satellite monitoring of the Black and Baltic seas. Data from synthetic aperture radars (SARs) constitute the experimental basis for the investigation of satellite. In addition to radar data, the data of the visible and infrared bands from MODIS Terra/Aqua, MERIS Envisat, Landsat series sensors are used. The features of the manifestation of hydrodynamic processes, submesoscale eddies in particular, in satellite radar and optical images in a period of intense phytoplankton bloom are discussed. A relationship is established between the intensity and duration of the phytoplankton bloom in the regions of observation and the frequency of the appearance of long-lasting wakes behind moving ships in SAR images. These wakes appear as long narrow bright bands of enhanced backscattered signal extending for tens and sometimes hundreds of kilometers. It is proposed to consider the wakes of this type as indicators of the areas and duration of intense phytoplankton bloom. Satellite observations over the Black and Baltic Seas conducted for more than ten years have shown that long-lasting ship wakes are influenced by powerful jet streams, such as those associated with the passage of eddies that leads to shifts and deformations. By comparing the true route of a ship with its wake in the satellite image, it is possible to obtain detailed information about the parameters of currents.