Grantee Research Project Results
2014 Progress Report: Ecological Assessment of Generalized Littoral Environments Decision-Support System (EAGLE/OS)
EPA Grant Number: R835193Title: Ecological Assessment of Generalized Littoral Environments Decision-Support System (EAGLE/OS)
Investigators: Muller-Karger, Frank Edgar , Chen, F. Robert , Otis, Daniel , McCarthy, Matthew , Mendez-Lazaro, Pablo
Institution: University of South Florida
Current Institution: University of South Florida , University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: June 1, 2012 through August 14, 2014 (Extended to May 31, 2016)
Project Period Covered by this Report: June 1, 2014 through May 31,2015
Project Amount: $750,000
RFA: Extreme Event Impacts on Air Quality and Water Quality with a Changing Global Climate (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Water Quality , Climate Change , Air , Water
Objective:
The objective of this project is to assess historical changes over the past 150 years in the major estuaries of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Territories in the Caribbean Sea based on instrument records of precipitation, water and air temperature, storm intensity and frequency, wind speed and direction, precipitation, river discharge, nutrient and sediment loading, and water level records. These records will be analyzed in the context of high spatial resolution, repeated, frequent synoptic satellite-based observations of water clarity made over the last 10-15 years. We have collaborated with EPA by providing satellite imagery for an online application (http://gispub.epa.gov/PR-USVI/viewer.html) as well as a phone app designed to evaluate water quality. This collaboration is part of our goal of developing an automated tool to display imagery of water quality parameters on mobile devices.
Progress Summary:
During the first year of this project, observations of meteorological variables, including air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, and precipitation, along with tidal (water level) data were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). River discharge data were obtained from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Data with the longest possible data records were obtained in each of the eight estuaries that are the focus of this study. An effort to examine land use data around each of the estuaries, and as much of the watershed as possible, was added to the project.
Within each estuary, in situ water quality observations were obtained to assess water quality trends and validate satellite-derived turbidity products. These data, which include monthly observations of parameters related to water clarity, such as turbidity, chlorophyll concentration, total suspended solids, and Secchi disk depth, were obtained from a variety of sources, including National Estuary Program (NEP) offices in each estuary, state and local environmental agencies, local water utilities, as well as the USGS and EPA.
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) ocean color images were processed and extracted for locations in each estuary where in situ water quality observations exist. Time-series of remote-sensing reflectance at 645 nm [Rrs(645)] with a spatial resolution of 250 m have been constructed for the refinement of algorithms to estimate water clarity using satellite measurements. Using these time-series, a turbidity product suitable for coastal areas has been developed and validated with in situ measurements. The turbidity product has been used to quantify plumes of highly turbid water advected from coastal regions of the island of Puerto Rico.
Land cover data were downloaded from two sources: the USGS Enhanced Historical Land-Use and Land-Cover Data Sets, and the NOAA Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP). Both sources have a spatial resolution of 30 meters. A relationship between land cover, meteorological parameters and water quality in Tampa Bay has been found and is under further investigation.
Climate data records from the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) have undergone rigorous quality control to establish the best long-term data records to use in the analysis of long-term trends and anomalous events. Daily observations of river discharge were obtained from the USGS National Water Information System.
Future Activities:
During the next year of this project, we will complete the full statistical analysis of satellite and environmental variable time-series in the Gulf of Mexico estuaries, as well as identifying and quantifying extreme events in the time-series. Using input from managers, end-users and other stakeholders, we will assess which data records should be used in the design of the decision-support tool and Web portal to disseminate data products. Hindcast satellite products will be tested against known events in each estuary to refine and validate our algorithms. We will also prepare publications of our findings, attend and document our progress in annual reports.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 11 publications | 7 publications in selected types | All 7 journal articles |
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Mendez-Lazaro P, Muller-Karger FE, Otis D, McCarthy MJ, Pena-Orellana M. Assessing climate variability effects on dengue incidence in San Juan, Puerto Rico. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014;11(9):9409-9428. |
R835193 (2013) R835193 (2014) R835193 (Final) |
Exit Exit |
Supplemental Keywords:
Water quality, climate change, environmental variability, turbidity, particulate matter, red tides, harmful algal blooms, satellite remotes sensing, land useRelevant Websites:
Institute for Marine Remote Sensing at USF's College of Marine Science Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.