| A search is made for indicators of the presence of phytoplankton, using satellite images of the Pacific (Central Chile) and Atlantic (South Brazil). AVHRR/NOAA-16 and -17 visible (1 and 2) and thermal (4 and 5) channels were used to perform a detection test, respectively, the Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and the Sea Surface Temperature (SST). In Brazilian waters, a positive correlation is found between SST and SPM's reflectance. This is interpreted as due to phytoplankton being more abundant in colder waters, where nutrients availability are higher because CO2 dissolution rates, thus being a favorable environment for phytoplankton contents, which when mixed with SPM, tends to reduce the total water reflectance, since organic matter causes absorption... |
