Application of dataset from atmospheric and oceanic EO satellites for coastal water studies

The use of satellite technology in monitoring environmental conditions of coastal waters for an early detection of pollution and eutrophication phenomena is of increasing importance. The daily monitoring of Sea Surface Temperature utilizing low-resolution multispectral sensors, especially designed for atmospheric and oceanographic studies, requires a complex procedure to compare the remote sensed data, which represent values averaged over each large pixel size, with the point like calibration data collected in situ. In this experiment, we have studied three small shallow water basins. In order to compare point like in situ measurements with Sea Surface Temperature values derived from AVHRR sensor, a bi-dimensional dynamic model of the two basins of the Taranto gulf, has been developed. Through this model, space and ground/sea data, at different spatial and temporal resolution and spacing, have been integrated. The comparison between in situ and RS data for the year 2000 will be shown as well as the temporal and spatial temperature dynamics.