Science Questions Societal Relevance

Observational Requirements

Observational Strategies

Satellite Missions

Scientific Basis for NASA OBB Mission Planning

Emerging Scientific Questions for NASA OBB Program

• How are ocean ecosystems and the biodiversity they support influenced by

climate or environmental variability and change, and how will these

changes occur over time?

• How do carbon and other elements transition between ocean pools and

pass through the Earth System, and how do these biogeochemical fluxes

impact the ocean and Earth’s climate over time?

• How (and why) is the diversity and geographical distribution of coastal

marine habitats changing, and what are the implications for the well-being

of human society?

• How do hazards and pollutants impact the hydrography and biology of

the coastal zone? How do they affect us, and can we mitigate their effects?

• Relevance:• Changes in ocean ecosystem structure,

function & distribution on synoptic to climatic time scales• Impacts on higher trophic levels (e.g.,

fish, reptiles, birds, mammals)

• Science:• Ocean biogeography • Quantify productivity &its transfer to

higher trophic levels• Identifying plankton functional groups

• Benefits to society:• Assessing ecosystem health, services• Understanding nutrient and carbon sinks/sources• Improving human welfare

Ecosystems & Diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Relevance: • Impacts and feedbacks of climate changes on biogeochemistry• Impacts of humans

• Science:• Ocean carbon pools & fluxes • Primary producer biomass• Understanding climate controls and the role

of ocean biogeochemistry

• Benefits to society:• Assessing/verifying ocean carbon credit trading, mitigation strategies• Helping manage climate and adapting to

change

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Relevance: • Growing human population density and dependence on ocean resources• Changing coastal environments

• Science:• Classification of regional marine habitats and coastal landscapes• Measuring impacts of land use• Understanding climate impacts & controls• Sustainable fisheries and coastal ecosystems• Assessing red tides and coral reef health

• Benefits to society:• Basis for ecosystem-based management• Improving human health, recreation, and commerce

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Relevance: Significant risk to human life and property Protection of natural environments

• Science:- Acute Hazards:

Tsunamis & hurricanes Oil Spills Harmful algal blooms

- Chronic Hazards: Ocean warming and sea level rise Ocean acidification Eutrophication

• Benefits to society: Forecasting of hazards Disaster preparedness/security Mitigation tools

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Observational requirements:• Accurately determine ecosystem biomass

Accurate detection of long-term changesAtmospheric correction…Calibration / validation…

Separate optically active componentsCDOM from Chl…

Global coverage sampling all biomes

• Assess biodiversityPhytoplankton functional groupsSpecial phytoplankton speciesParticle size spectrum

• Measure ocean productivity NPP rate determinationsPhysiological status of phytoplankton communityGrazing & secondary production

• Understand the oceanographic settingMLD, incident and in situ light levels, SST, SSS, sea level, vector winds, …

Ecosystems & Diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Observational requirements:

• Accurate assessment of ocean BGC constituents Accurate detection of long-term changes Atmospheric correction… Calibration / validation...Separate optically active components CDOM from Chl…Measure particle biomass

• Assess ocean productivity & carbon fluxesNet primary productionNew & secondary productionPhysiological status of phytoplankton community

• Integrate with biogeochemical modelsAir-sea CO2 fluxesCarbon export by both sinking & physical pumpsShelf carbon exchanges

• Observational requirements:• Assess in-water constituents in coastal environments

Accurate detection of long-term changes Atmospheric correction… Calibration/sensor characterization...Separate optically active components CDOM from Chl…Develop capabilities for all biomes – globally

• High temporal resolutionWithin a day revisit time – tidal phenomena

• High spatial / spectral resolutionUse existing/upcoming technologies (LDCM, …)New high resolution ocean color capability

10 m – 100 km swath - 20 ocean color bands• Understand the coastal ocean setting

Land-ocean interactions – river outflowsTidal & coastal fronts

• Couple with in situ observationsOcean observatories Sub-orbital AUV vehicles

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

Ecosystems & diversity, Carbon & Biogeochemistry, Habitats & Hazards

• Observational requirements:• Respond to acute hazards

Instantaneous data disseminationRapid revisit cycleAll weather capabilities –> SAR/UAV’s

• Assess chronic hazardsAccurately measure ecosystem parameters Atmospheric correction… Calibration/sensor characterization...Separate optically active components CDOM from Chl…

• High temporal resolutionRapid revisit cycle – follow eventsUse temporary platforms (sub-orbital assets)

• High spatial resolutionsUse existing/upcoming technologies (LDCM, …)New high resolution ocean color capability

10 m – 100 km swath

Science Requirements Lead to Observational Strategies

•Global Hyperspectral Imaging Radiometer

•Geostationary Hyperspectral Imaging Radiometer(s)

•Multi-Spectral High Spatial Resolution Imager

•Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

•Sub-orbital Survey and Events UAV Suite

•Variable Fluorescence Lidar

•Mixed Layer Depth and Illumination Sensor

•Ocean Particle Profiler and Aerosol Column Distributions