Characterization of Large and Unusual Noctiluca Blooms in the Northern Arabian Sea and Their Role in Carbon Cycling During the Winter Monsoon

DESCRIPTION: The project will work to measure Noctiluca blooms in the Arabian Sea by using satellites to measure sea surface color and using shipboard measurements to quantify the optical characteristics of Noctiluca. This species-specific optical method will be used to determine if there has been a shift in dominant phytoplankton communities, how carbon fixation compare between species, and if upwelling contributes to a niche for Noctiluca.

OUTCOMES: Extensive measurements have been completed to determine the hyperspectral reflectance of Noctiluca Miliaris and its variance over different locations. Created an algorithm of the ocean reflectance inversion model using both IDL and L2GEN and analyzed the algorithm's sensitivity. Created an educational outreach activity with the National Institute of Oceanography. Four publications and one presentation.