From: David Carlson (dcarlson at ucar.edu)
Organization: NCAR/ATD

Research Area: OTHER

Mission Scenario: Coastal Ecology, Ocean Remote Sensing

Freshwater discharge to coastal regions affects the abundance, distribution, and growth parameters of many microorganisms, including organisms ('red tides' and others) that impact coastal fisheries and human health. These organisms may respond to physical and chemical factors related to salinity (and density) structure in the coastal regions, or to trace metals or organic materials carried in the freshwater. In either case, a two-dimensional map of coastal surface salinity can provide substantial information about the distribution of harmful microorganisms and a solid basis for predicting future outbreaks, especially after large changes in freshwater discharge in the wake of heavy rainfall. Satellite sensors provide broad regular coverage of sea surface temperature and of ocean color (an indicator of ocean biota), but do not measure salinity, lack sufficient resolution for complex estuarine and coastal circulations, and often can not determine biological abundance when coastal waters carry high loads of suspended sediments.

HIAPER mission: Fly a microwave sea surface salinity mapper and a high resolution active/passive ocean color instrument. Supplement with high-res SST and dropsondes. On a day with forecast clear conditions on the Atlantic coast, fly south from Denver, intersecting the Gulf coast near Houston. Follow the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines, including the Florida penninsula, all the way to Maine, mapping SSS, SST, and ocean color. Fly at 50,000 ft, above Atlantic air traffic. Broadcast real-time SSS, SST and ocean color imagery to ships in the Missippii outflow and Chesapeake Bay regions and to research laboratories in coastal states. Next day, using forecasts, ATC guidance, analysis of images from the previous mission, and known locations of research vessels (which may have deployed or moved based on imagery from the previous day), make multiple passes over two coastal regions at lower altitudes (20,000 ft). Use SSS and SST mappers and the ocean color instrument in active mode (dual wavelength laser-induced fluorescence) to distinguish biota from suspended sediments and to identify potentially harmful organisms by unique fluorescence signatures. Use dropsondes to determine atmospheric moisture attenuation of remote sensing signals and to map local near-surface wind fields for subsequent coupled biophysical modeling of the coastal regions. Broadcast these regional data to appropriate laboratories. Execute a surface to 40,000 feet vertical profile over an aerosol lidar on a ship, using HIAPER standard particle probes. End the second flight back in Denver. PIs and Co-PIs for this mission could work on ships and in East coast laboratories yet receive HIAPER data and direct the second day's operations.

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