Interannual Variability of Ocean Color: A Synthesis of Satellite Data and Models and Participation in the Ocean Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project

NASA, 36 months
 

PROJECT SUMMARY:

We propose a joint effort between Goddard and MIT in which we perform a synthesis of ocean color data with all other relevant physical satellite data, and appropriate dynamical and biological models. We will attempt to elucidate and describe the mechanisms which give rise to variability in ocean color placing particular emphasis on understanding seasonal and inter-annual variations in the Atlantic sector.

Our approach is to model the relevant physics, using an ocean circulation model driven by analysed winds and surface fluxes and constrained to bring it in to consistency with TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetric data, and to model the biological and optical processes relevant to ocean color. The resulting fields will then be compared with, and evaluated in the context of, the OCTS and SeaWiFs ocean color data on seasonal and interannual timescales, focusing on the North Atlantic. We aim to simulate, and identify the mechanisms underlying, interannual variability of the ocean color signal.

In addition, as part of the SMP, we will participate in the US Ocean Carbon Model Intercomparison  (OCMIP) study, led by Ray Najjar.
 

John C. Marshall
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave
Bldg 54-1526
Cambridge, MA 02139
tel: (617) 253-9615
fax: (617) 253-4464
marshall@gulf.mit.edu

Mick J. Follows
Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Planetary Sciences
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02130
tel: (617) 253-2454
fax: (617) 253-4464
mick@plume.mit.edu

Watson W. Gregg
NASA/GSFC Code 970.2 ???
Greenbelt, MD 20771
tel: (301) 286-3464
gregg@smoc1.gsfc.nasa.gov