Seasonal shelf-sea front mapping using satellite ocean colour and temperature to support development of a marine protected area network

Miller, PI, Xu, W and Carruthers, M 2015 Seasonal shelf-sea front mapping using satellite ocean colour and temperature to support development of a marine protected area network [in special issue: Physical Oceanography of Fronts] Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 119. 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2014.05.013

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Abstract/Summary

Front detection and aggregation techniques were applied to 300m resolution MERIS satellite ocean colour data for the first time, to describe frequently occurring shelf-sea fronts near to the Scottish coast. Medium resolution (1km) thermal and colour data have previously been used to analyse the distribution of surface fronts, though these cannot capture smaller frontal zones or those in close proximity to the coast, particularly where the coastline is convoluted. Seasonal frequent front maps, derived from both chlorophyll and SST data, revealed a number of key frontal zones, a subset of which were based on new insights into the sediment and plankton dynamics provided exclusively by the higher-resolution chlorophyll fronts. The methodology is described for applying colour and thermal front data to the task of identifying zones of ecological importance that could assist the process of defining marine protected areas. Each key frontal zone is analysed to describe its spatial and temporal extent and variability, and possible mechanisms. It is hoped that these tools can provide guidance on the dynamic habitats of marine fauna towards aspects of marine spatial planning and conservation.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Also front cover image.
Subjects:	Computer Science Ecology and Environment Marine Sciences Oceanography
Divisions:	Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Earth Observation Science and Applications Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Sea from Space (expired)
Depositing User:	Dr Peter I Miller
Date made live:	08 Sep 2015 14:55
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2020 09:56
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/6537

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