Monitoring Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Development with PACE and TEMPO

In response to user needs for better spatial observations of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), NASA SPoRT has begun exploring how to monitor the development of HABs through a combination of chlorophyll-a , aerosols, sea surface temperature, and other satellite observations. We will present results from our project, a cross-mission proof of concept study to inform the application of NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecology (PACE) and Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) missions for informing decisions related to harmful algae blooms (HABs). Stakeholders at NOAA Fisheries need information on algae type and fish mortality to track and monitor the impact of HABs on managed fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. Information on HAB movement, severity, type, and concentration as well as sea surface temperature allows NOAA Fisheries to track the impact of HABs on managed fish species and the impact on the recreational and commercial fishing industry.

This observational study of HABs uses PACE, TEMPO, and other sensors to gather data on phytoplankton concentration and factors that influence changes in phytoplankton biomass. HAB events are identified using databases such as the NOAA Harmful Algal BloomS Observing System (HABSOS) and the UNESCO Harmful Algae Information System. PACE chlorophyll observations are used to observe the intensity of a HAB. Geophysical variables influencing the growth or decay of phytoplankton concentration will also be collected. These include photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) from PACE, sea surface temperature (SST) from NASA SPoRT’s blended satellite product, and aerosol observations from TROPOMI as a proxy for TEMPO aerosol products. TEMPO aerosol observations are used along with PACE observations to explore the link between aerosol deposition and phytoplankton growth. Additionally, TEMPO is used to investigate whether gases given off by HAS can be observed by TEMPO. Time series of these variables will be examined for various HAB cases in order to observe the evolution of phytoplankton concentration in response to the other variables and determine how TEMPO and PACE can be used in combination to monitor and track HABs.

The results of this study will inform a concept on how new NASA mission data can be used together for monitoring and tracking HABs, which will inform applications and decision making. Throughout the project we will consult with NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System as stakeholders who use NASA data and have relationships with downstream users in the maritime and fishing communities. These stakeholders are part of the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team and are highly interested in using new NASA missions for decision making.