| MODIS Aqua and Terra satellites produce both land surface temperatures and sea surface temperatures from carefully calibrated algorithms. Land surface temperatures are retrieved during clear-sky (non-cloudy) conditions at a 1 km2 resolution. Sea surface temperatures are also retrieved during clear-sky conditions at approximately 4 km2 resolution. In this study we used only daylight observations, which included the Terra 10:30 am and Aqua 1:30 pm overpass times. The purpose of this project was to examine remotely sensed sea surface (SST), intertidal (IST), and land surface temperatures (LST), in conjunction with in situ measurements, as well as associated weather and tidal data. It is the use of remotely sensed data, in conjunction with in situ data, as well as other associated observations, that a full analysis of the accuracy of remotely sensed intertidal temperatures can be examined, which is crucial to the initial step of assessing and analyzing climate change.;From this research in Strawberry Hill, Oregon, it was determined that intertidal surface temperatures are similar to but distinctly different from land surface temperatures. Also, the intertidal temperature is also influenced by sea surface temperatures. It was also determined that remotely sensed temperatures are correlated with various intertidal parameters---such as tidal height, air temperature, in situ mussel logger temperatures, as well as wind speed and direction. It was determined that air temperature and differential heating throughout the day, as well as location in relation to the shore, can greatly influence the remotely sensed surface temperatures. Lastly, it was determined that although remotely sensed data is specifically known for examining long time periods and determining annual and seasonal trends, it can also pick up temperature signatures that may be influenced due to high frequency changes, specifically tidal height. Therefore, remotely sensed satellite data is a very useful tool in examining intertidal temperatures for regional climatic changes over short and long time periods. Continued remotely sensed observations, with increased in situ measurements, will eventually help researchers forecast expected climate changes and help determine the associated biological implications these changes have on intertidal species. |
