Blending of ocean colour algorithms applied to the Southern Ocean

Abstract

A method of blending of a specific satellite ocean colour algorithm in the Southern Ocean (SO) with a generic algorithm elsewhere is proposed. The SO is known to have bio-optical properties that require a different bio-optical algorithm for retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration. Merging data retrieved with a specific algorithm in one area with data retrieved with another algorithm elsewhere has remained a problem. We use a blending scheme that uses both bio-optical properties and the location of the pixel relative to the mean position of the Subtropical Front to create a smooth transition from one algorithm to another. The method can be applied to other regions or variables after modification. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.