NOAA Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasts and Satellite Data

NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System (HAB-OFS) produced forecast bulletins and processed satellite imagery for Karenia brevis blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. The archive contains inputs and outputs including documents, satellite imagery in HDF4 format, image files, and GIS files. Data was collected from September 21 to October 24, 2000 by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services.

Use Cases

• Analyze processed satellite imagery in HDF4 format to detect bloom extent and intensity.
• Use forecast bulletins containing analysis of ocean color satellite imagery and field observations to predict HAB transport.
• Correlate GIS files with public health reports to map areas of potential respiratory irritation.
• Model bloom intensification using forecast outputs based on buoy data and other provider information.
• Study the temporal sequence of twice-weekly bulletins during an active HAB period from 2000-09-21 to 2000-10-24.

Strengths

• Data covers a specific, documented harmful algal bloom event spanning 34 days.
• Forecast bulletins integrate multiple data sources: satellite imagery, field observations, models, and buoy data.
• Outputs include multiple formats: documents, HDF4 imagery, image files, and GIS files for different analyses.

Limitations

• Dataset is limited to a single month in 2000, offering no longitudinal trend analysis.
• Sample size is constrained to one bloom season, with unknown record count.
• Data formats like HDF4 may require specialized tools for processing.

Provenance

Source

NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System (HAB-OFS), operated by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services.

Collection Method

Operational forecast system producing bulletins from analysis of satellite imagery, field observations, models, and buoy data.

Time Range

2000-09-21 to 2000-10-24

Freshness

null

Geography

Gulf of Mexico