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