8 Day Composites of Ocean Temperature and Chlorophyll

These two maps show ocean satellite images for: sea surface temperature (left) and chlorophyll (right). Composite images are averaged over the number of days indicated at the top of each map, to come up with the pictures you see. See further details below the maps.


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How to use this page to learn about algal blooms

  • Move your mouse cursor over the map on the left to see a zoomed in view of the sea surface temperatures (SST).
  • Use the color scale on the right of the SST map to find the SST (°C) for the area in the 'zoom box' (red = high, blue = low).
  • Move your mouse to the map on the right side to see a zoomed in view of the chlorophyll (indicating algae that may be causing HABs).
  • Use the color scale on the right side of the Chlorophyll map to find the Chlorophyll surface concentration (mg/m^3) calculated from Chlorophyll fluorescence values.
  • Compare the same area on both maps to see if there is any connection between SST (high or low) and chlorophyll.
  • Click top links to view maps at different time-scales.
  • The '8-day composite with Surface Currents' top link shows a map of 8-day averaged SST with HF Radar surface current
    vectors from the last 25 hrs overlayed on top to show potential relationships between currents and SST or algae.

Image sources

  • SST: NOAA Coast Watch Program and NOAA NWS Monterey Regional Forecast Office (satellite is POES AVHRR HRPT)
  • Chlorophyll a: NOAA Coast Watch Program and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Oceancolor (G. Feldman) (AQUA MODIS).