Evaluation of Marine Primary Productivity in the Tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans Using Satellite Ocean Color and Numerical Models

(Collab with Chuck McClain)
NASA, 36 months
 

PROJECT SUMMARY

This research program focuses on three general topics of investigation: 1) interactions between physical and biological processes in tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, 2) coupled physical-biological models for predictive and diagnostic studies, and 3) data assimilation techniques for model prediction skill and ecosystem parameter estimation. The first topic will have as a primary emphasis the use of various basin-scale meteorological, altimetric, SST, and in situ (e.g. TAO array) data for time-space correlation analyses with surface ocean color pigment fields. These analyses will provide descriptive evaluations of observed variability and suggestions of underlying processes. The coupled models will be used to provide a more complete interpretation of the observed fields and of the derived correlations. The models will also be used to conduct sensitivity studies on the effects of spatial and temporal variability in light absorption on heat fluxes, mixed layer depth and circulation. The ecosystem models will be used to address issues related to temporal variability in nutrient supply (micro- and macronutrients) on ecosystem structure and function. The data assimilation studies will be designed to provide give improved estimation of biological rates and to provide improved parameterization of biological rates in three-dimensional, basin-scale, coupled physical-biological models.
 

Eileen E. Hofmann
Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography
Crittenton Hall
Old Dominion University
768 West 52nd Street
Norfolk, VA 23529
tel: (804) 683-5334
hofmann@ccpo.odu.edu