Space based observations of marine phytoplankton in NE Atlantic waters

• Main Author: Jordan, Catherine
• Other Authors: Croot, Peter, Cusack, Caroline
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: NUI Galway 2024
• Subjects: Science; Earth and Ocean Sciences; Natural Sciences; Remote Sensing; Phytoplankton; Hyperspectral Radiometry; Harmful Algal Blooms; Satellite Ocean Colour; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10379/18143

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.