Eutrophication mapping by MERIS: The REVAMP results

Hans van der Woerd
IVM, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
1087 HV, The Netherlands
hans.vander.woerd@ivm.vu.nl


Co-authors: the REVAMP team (MUMM, PML, BC, GKSS, DMI, NIVA)

ABSTRACT

The North Sea is one of the nine sea basins that surround the European continent. The quality of water in the North Sea is under substantial environmental pressure due to organic and inorganic pollution from riverine inflow from the six surrounding countries. It is well known that these waters are affected by eutrophication, leading to increased occurrence of algae blooms in spring and autumn. In order to assess the extent of pollution and/or eutrophication and the effect of abatement measures, considerable efforts by European and national authorities are put into the monitoring of relevant water quality parameters.

Remote Sensing observations by the new ocean colour instruments might substantially support eutrophication measurements, once the data are well calibrated and validated. In the EC REVAMP project, carried out over the years 2002-2004, a study was completed that has resulted in a detailed mapping of Chlorophyll in the North Sea, based on MERIS imagery. We will present the highlights of this project. Moreover we will present the resulting maps and special value-added products that were developed to tie in with the in-situ monitoring systems and study of the role of eutrophication in this complex coastal ecosystem. This potential role of these MERIS based products in the The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) initiative are presented.

Last Update: 2005-03-17