Abstract
Synoptic coverage of the temporal and spatial variability of aerosol distribution patterns can only be achieved with satellites. Results from the first ocean colour sensor, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS), indicate an annual cycle of the major mineral aerosol plumes that is consistent with the published literature. Seasonality and interannual aerosol variability observed with the CZCS agrees well with that found by ground data measurements and other satellite platforms used to monitor aerosols. The successor to the CZCS—the Sea viewing Wide Field of view Sensor (SeaWiFS)—provides estimates of aerosol load and particle size, both on a global scale. Seasonal maps of both of these aerosol optical properties are in accord with well-known distribution patterns and also with independent satellite estimates. These results indicate that ocean colour sensors are capable of monitoring the variability of global aerosol loads and, more recently, with the retrieval of aerosol particle size, they can be used to characterize different aerosol events.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the Oceanography Program of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and I am thankful for their support and interest. SeaWiFS data used in this paper were produced by the SeaWiFS Project at Goddard Space Flight Center. The data were obtained from the Goddard Distributed Active Archive Center under the auspices of NASA, in accord with the SeaWiFS Research Data Use Terms and Conditions Agreement. Comments from anonymous reviews are greatly acknowledged.
Notes
An updated version of a paper originally presented at Oceans from Space ‘Venice 2000’ Symposium, Venice, Italy, 9–13 October 2000.