Space based observations of marine phytoplankton in NE Atlantic waters
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2024-04-11Author
Jordan, Catherine
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Abstract
The main aims of this PhD thesis were
To develop a suite of satellite derived tools for the Irish monitoring
programme for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
To highlight the importance of in situ data for validating satellite derived data
and developing regional algorithms and address the gap in the availability of
such data in the North East Atlantic.
In situ data is essential for the calibration, validation and bio-optical algorithm
development of ocean colour remote sensing. Chapter 2 describes in detail the
difficulties associated with ocean colour measurements in Irish waters due to the
persistent issue with cloud cover. This chapter introduces how invaluable the optical
data collected is for ocean colour research, especially in areas that are difficult to
sample frequently.
The main aims of this thesis were achieved by the successful installation and
development of an operational hyperspectral radiometer system on board the RV
Celtic Explorer, which collects valuable data for satellite validation, algorithm
development, and water quality monitoring. Additionally, in chapters 4 and 5, I present
a successful validation of the Red Band Difference (RBD) algorithm to monitor HABs
in Irish coastal waters, and a preliminary feasibility study of the HABscope, an
artificial intelligence technology for detecting Karenia spp. via their swimming
pattern.
The primary goal of this thesis was accomplished by introducing the three products to
the Irish monitoring programme. The developed tools, including the hyperspectral
radiometry system, the RBD algorithm, and the HABscope, are valuable for
monitoring marine phytoplankton and associated optically active constituents and can
be utilised by the Marine Institute, Researchers, and the global ocean colour
community for effective HAB monitoring and mitigation efforts.