Effect of tropical storms on the bio-optical properties of coastal waters in Puerto Rico

摘要

The impact of tropical storms on the ocean color of coastal waters of Puerto Rico was analyzed. The changes in ocean color are due to the absorption and scattering of water optical properties. Data fromthe Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used to generate images of products related with ocean color. Different parameters from the images selected for each event wererelated with in situ discharge data. All the signals detected with MODIS were affected by rivers discharge and rain. The study clearly demonstrate how water color parameters from satellite sensors andfield meteorological parameters can be related. Dramatic changes in ocean color were detected for tropical storms Earl and Jeanne. The results support the use of remote sensing in this type ofassessments and open the window for further studies in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region.