Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS

Abstract

Mapping and Monitoring the Sea Surface Temperature in Weda Bay Using Terra and Aqua- Modis Satellites

Salam Tarigan and Sam Wouthuyzen

Temperature is one of the principal controls on all physical, chemical and biological processes in the environment. Therefore, temperature data play an important role in earth resources management activities, including managing the effects of climate change. In this study, the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of Weda Bay, Halmahera Island, Indonesia were mapped and monitored, from January to November 2007, using thermal infrared (TIR) band 30 and 31 of Terra- and Aqua MODIS satellites. The empirical prediction SST model developed, using TIR band and in-situ measurement SST, showed that the model was sufficient to predict and to map the SST within the bias ranges of ± 0.5°C. Daily SST, averaged 10 days SST, and monthly SST maps were made using 109 available Terra- and Aqua- MODIS images. The ranges of daily and 10-day average SSTs in Weda Bay were narrow, about 2°C (28-30°C) throughout the year, while the range for monthly SSTs was only 1°C (28.75-29.75°C). Accordingly, no indication of upwelling phenomena occurred in this bay during the observation (2007), but it is possible that upwelling could have happened in the past or may in the future. Long-term monitoring from space should continue in order to get a clearer understanding of the water characteristics in Weda Bay, not only using TIR, but also using ocean color bands of MODIS.