Chesapeake Bay Fluorescence and Chlorophyll Monitoring Data

Fluorescence monitoring data measures horizontal and vertical profiles of chlorophyll a in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem. The database holds records from programs operated by Maryland and Virginia in cooperation with the US EPA Chesapeake Bay Program. The Maryland program began in August 1984, with a Potomac estuary transect program starting in August 1990, and the Virginia program commencing in January 1991.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal trends in chlorophyll_a concentration from the Maryland mainstem program starting in 1984.
• Model spatial distribution of phytoplankton using horizontal and vertical profile data from fixed monitoring stations.
• Correlate fluorescence measurements with concurrent water quality data from Maryland's monitoring programs.
• Compare phytoplankton dynamics between the Maryland and Virginia mainstem regions from 1991 onward.
• Study seasonal patterns using data from the April-September transect program in the Potomac estuary.

Strengths

• Long-term monitoring program with data collection starting in August 1984.
• Combines data from multiple state programs (Maryland and Virginia) for spatial coverage.

Limitations

• Specific row count, column details, and sample size are unknown.
• Data completeness and consistency across the multi-decade, multi-program collection may vary.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata (host), SCIOPS (organization), US EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, states of Maryland and Virginia.

Collection Method

In vivo fluorescence measurements taken from fixed monitoring stations and horizontal transects.

Time Range

Maryland mainstem: from August 1984 onward. Potomac estuary transects: from August 1990 (April-September). Virginia mainstem: from January 1991 onward.

Geography

Chesapeake Bay mainstem, Maryland tidal tributaries, and Potomac estuary.