Leveraging New Satellite Assets to Improve Remote Sensing and Modeling Tools for Monitoring and Prediction of Nearshore Water Quality in the Great Lakes

This project will extend the Color Producing Agent Algorithm (CPA-A) to nearshore regions using new satellite technology. The CPA-A estimates Great Lakes water quality variables including suspended minerals (SPM), chlorophyll-a, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and light extinction. Characterization of organic and inorganic phosphorus (P) particles within nearshore river plumes, and novel methods to estimate tributary phosphorus and sediment concentrations will improve estimates of tributary inputs to biophysical models. Model simulations of plume dispersion will be conducted and compared with remotely sensed observations to identify nearshore regions affected by changing light regimes as a result of tributary discharge. These new nearshore remote sensing and modeling tools generate a suite of unique products that can be used to plan and assess upstream management efforts made to improve nearshore water quality, as outlined in Annex 4 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA).

GLRI Funding
FY2023: $365,000

FY2022: $355,000

Contact:
Mark.Rowe@noaa.gov