Ocean surface provinces off Southwest Iberia based on satellite remote sensing

This thesis aimed to partition the complex surface marine domain off Southwest Iberia Peninsula (SWIP), using satellite remote sensing, and use it to assess phytoplankton variability patterns and underlying environmental drivers (1997 – 2015). Three unsupervised partition strategies, based on distinct input databases and temporal representations, detected a variable number of partition units (regions, provinces) of singular environmental and phytoplankton patterns within SWIP. An abiotic-based partition delineated 12 dynamic Environmental Provinces (EPs) that alternated coverage dominance along the annual cycle. EP patterns were in general related to phytoplankton biomass, indicated by satellite chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), and productivity, thus supporting the biological relevance of this abiotic-based partition. A static partition, based on the main variability modes of Chl-a, derived 9 Chl-a regions. Moreover, a static partition strategy synthesised phytoplankton phenological patterns over SWIP into 5 phenoregions, with coherent patterns of timing, magnitude and duration of blooms. The spatial distribution of EPs, Chl-a regions and phenoregions shared similarities, which can be considered the main spatial patterns of SWIP ocean surface. In general, the spatial arrangement of the partition units showed a separation between coastal and open ocean, a latitudinal division (ca. 36.5oN) over the open ocean and, over the coast and slope, the influence of coastal upwelling along the west Portuguese coast and Cape São Vicente, and of river discharge along the northeastern Gulf of Cadiz. The environmental drivers of phytoplankton varied across partition units. Water column stratification, riverine discharge and upwelling intensity were the most influential modulators, and large scale climate indices usually showed minor effects. Environmental variables, Chl-a and phenology showed significant seasonal variability patterns, varying across regions. Interannual patterns were more complex, and significant trends were mostly detected within the Gulf of Cadiz. Linkages between environmental variability and phytoplankton support their use as an indicator of ecosystem status and change.O oceano superficial é um domínio extremamente complexo e dinâmico, onde as interações com a atmosfera e o continente modulam a distribuição e atividade dos organismos marinhos e o clima da Terra. O fitoplâncton, principal produtor primário marinho, é fortemente influenciado pelos processos atuantes no oceano superficial, constituindo um importante indicador do estado e variabilidade dos ecossistemas marinhos. Assim, a organização espacial horizontal do oceano superficial, função da variabilidade das propriedades abióticas e comunidades biológicas (incluindo o fitoplâncton), apresenta uma série de unidades funcionais distintas (regiões ou províncias), com atributos e padrões de variabilidade específicos. A partição ou regionalização do oceano, com identificação e delimitação destas unidades funcionais, simplifica a complexidade do oceano superficial e representa uma ferramenta para avaliar e compreender o funcionamento do oceano superficial, apresentando diversas aplicações ao nível do estudo, gestão e conservação dos ecossistemas marinhos. A deteção remota por satélite constitui uma fonte valiosa de dados para a partição do oceano superficial, pois disponibiliza campos sinóticos de várias variáveis oceanográficas e atmosféricas, em escalas espacial e temporal pertinentes, abrangendo períodos de várias décadas. A presente tese pretende particionar o complexo domínio marinho superficial do sudoeste da Península Ibérica (Southwest Iberia Peninsula, SWIP), com base em deteção remota por satélite, e avaliar a variabilidade do fitoplâncton e forçadores ambientais associados em regiões específicas (unidades funcionais) da área de estudo. Para atingir os objectivos principais foi inicialmente efetuada uma revisão do conhecimento científico sobre as estratégias de partição do oceano superficial baseadas em deteção remota por satélite (Capítulo 2) e, posteriormente, foram aplicadas diversas estratégias de partição nãosupervisionadas à área de estudo (Capítulos 3 - 5). Tais estratégias permitiram particionar a área de estudo com base em diferentes caraterísticas do oceano superficial (propriedades abióticas, variação da concentração de clorofila-a e índices fenológicos do fitoplâncton) e diferentes abordagens metodológicas (métodos de partição e resolução temporal). As diferentes partições do SWIP foram utilizadas para avaliar os padrões de variabilidade da biomassa e fenologia do fitoplâncton e suas relações com diferentes forçantes ambientais. No contexto deste estudo, as variáveis ambientais avaliadas incluíram variáveis locais indicadoras do ambiente físico, químico e ótico, variáveis hidrológicas indicadoras de processos costeiros (descarga dos rios e intensidade do afloramento costeiro) e indicadores climáticos de larga escala.This thesis was supported by Science without Borders Programme from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (237998/2012‐2

Extraçao da batimetria em áreas rasas do complexo estuarino de Paranaguá, PR a partir de uma imagem de satélite LANDSAT 7 - ETM+

Resumo: Imagens de satélites provém, a baixos custos, mapas batimétricos de áreas que são difíceis de mapear por meios hidrográficos tradicionais. No setor norte do Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá o último levantamento batimétrico foi realizado na década de 50. Um mapa batimétrico dessa região, mesmo sem a acurácia das cartas náuticas será de utilidade tanto para o planejamento de estudos e modelagem ambiental, quanto para a navegação de embarcações de pequeno porte. Neste trabalho, foram correlacionados dados de uma área com profundidade conhecida com uma imagem do satélite Landsat 7 - ETM+ em diferentes bandas e razões de bandas e a diferentes intervalos de profundidade. A partir destes, foram selecionados dois métodos de extração de batimetria. O primeiro consistiu no modelo simples de banda única, onde utilizou-se o canal infra-vermelho próximo, com boa correlação para o intervalo de profundidade de 0,36 m a 4,1 m. O Índice de Diferença Normalizada da Água foi o segundo e melhor método testado obtendo alta correlação para o intervalo de 0,36 m a 4,5 m de profundidade. A aplicação deste método, de fácil execução, pode ser de grande valia para regiões onde não existam ou estejam desatualizados os dados batimétricos. Os mapas gerados são bastante fiéis para áreas rasas, considerando-se que aproximadamente 75% da área do Complexo apresentam profundidade inferior a 5 metros

Implementação do programa nacional de melhoria do acesso e da qualidade da atenção básica (PMAQ-AB)

Justification and Objective: investigate about the methodology of implementing the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB): review 2 by health professionals, their results and their impact on the organization and assistance to health from the perspective of health workers. Method: Qualitative research, with exploratory descriptive study, were 21 workers the health of strategies units of family of a municipality 28th Health Region – Rio Grande do Sul (RS), with 17 Family Health Strategy facilities registered in the Primary Care Department-Health Ministry. Of these 17 Family Health Strategy facilities, 8 have Team Dental Health certification. The data collection was from municipal health documents through interviews. Constituted the sample, the health manager and a representative of each category by the ESF to participate in any phase of PMAQ. The content analysis guided the organization of the information and the results in topics: PMAQ in the view of workers, the application methodology, the results and changes in the health facilities with program implementation. Results: Two doctors, five nurses, seven nursing technicians, six dentists and a nutritionist were interviewed. It identified the diversity of perceptions of health workers on the implementation of PMAQ –AB, in the health facilities where they work and dissatisfaction for lack of feedback of the management in relation to the evaluation results. Conclusions: The lack of knowledge of professionals on the implementation methodology of this program was evident, since most of the respondents can not report on the implementation stages and their development in their Family Health Strategy. KEYWORDS: Health Evaluation. Health Education. Delivery of Health Care. Public Health.Justificativa e Objetivo: investigar sobre a metodologia de aplicação do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB): sua avaliação pelos profissionais de saúde, seus resultados e seu impacto na organização e na assistência a saúde, sob, a ótica dos trabalhadores da saúde. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa, de caráter exploratório descritivo, com 21 trabalhadores de unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) de um município da 28ª Região de Saúde – RS com 17 ESFs cadastradas no Departamento de Atenção Básica-MS. Destas, oito possuem certificação como Equipe de Saúde Bucal. A coleta de dados ocorreu em documentos na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e por meio de entrevistas. Constituíram a amostra o gestor de saúde e um representante por categoria de cada ESF que participou de alguma fase do PMAQ. A análise de conteúdo orientou a organização das informações e dos resultados em temas: PMAQ na visão dos trabalhadores, a metodologia de aplicação, os resultados e mudanças nas unidades de saúde com a implantação do programa. Resultados: Foram entrevistados dois médicos, cinco enfermeiros, sete técnicos de enfermagem, seis odontólogos e uma nutricionista. Identificou-se a diversidade de percepções dos trabalhadores quanto à implementação do PMAQ-AB e o descontentamento por falta de retorno da gestão em relação aos resultados da avaliação. Conclusões: A falta de conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a metodologia de aplicação deste programa ficou evidente, pois grande parte dos entrevistados não consegue informar sobre as fases de implementação e o desenvolvimento das mesmas na sua ESF. DESCRITORES: Avaliação em Saúde. Educação em Saúde. Assistência à saúde. Saúde Pública

Impact of the citizen science project COLLECT on ocean literacy and well-being within a north/west African and south-east Asian context

Plastic pollution is both a societal and environmental problem and citizen science has shown to be a useful tool to engage both the public and professionals in addressing it. However, knowledge on the educational and behavioral impacts of citizen science projects focusing on marine litter remains limited. Our preregistered study investigates the impact of the citizen science project Citizen Observation of Local Litter in coastal ECosysTems (COLLECT) on the participants' ocean literacy, pro-environmental intentions and attitudes, well-being, and nature connectedness, using a pretest-posttest design. A total of 410 secondary school students from seven countries, in Africa (Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria) and Asia (Malaysia) were trained to sample plastics on sandy beaches and to analyze their collection in the classroom. Non-parametric statistical tests (n = 239 matched participants) demonstrate that the COLLECT project positively impacted ocean literacy (i.e., awareness and knowledge of marine litter, self-reported litter-reducing behaviors, attitudes towards beach litter removal). The COLLECT project also led to higher pro-environmental behavioral intentions for students in Benin and Ghana (implying a positive spillover effect) and higher well-being and nature connectedness for students in Benin. Results are interpreted in consideration of a high baseline in awareness and attitudes towards marine litter, a low internal consistency of pro-environmental attitudes, the cultural context of the participating countries, and the unique settings of the project's implementation. Our study highlights the benefits and challenges of understanding how citizen science impacts the perceptions and behaviors towards marine litter in youth from the respective regions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Simulation of satellite chlorophyll-a measures using in situ data

Ocean colour orbital sensors can collect information of the first quarter of the photic zone depth. This study proposed to calculate the chlorophyll-a concentration for this penetration depth and to compare it with the satellite product. The photic and penetration depths at the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS) station were obtained from the diffuse light attenuation profiles. These, in turn, were based on the inherent optical properties, absorption and scattering, estimated from in situ chlorophyll-a measurements. The chlorophyll-a concentrations were calculated for the penetration depths of 440 nm, 550 nm and of the entire photosynthetic active region (PAR 400-700 nm). The results show good linear correlations between the satellite product and penetration depth chlorophyll-a concentrations (R 2 > 0.6). Both monthly and weekly SeaWiFS products underestimate in situ chlorophyll-a when its concentration is higher than 0.15 mg m -3 , probably due to the algorithm scheme of chlorophyll-a retrieval. Ten-year time series were constructed to analyze the seasonal patterns. The photic and penetration depths, as the subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum, tend to become shallower at the beginning of spring season (February to April) and deepen in summer season (June to July). This pattern might be associated with phytoplankton blooms and the mixed layer depth (MLD) seasonality.Pages: 7106-711

Delineation of ocean surface provinces over a complex marine domain (off SW Iberia): an objective abiotic-based approach

incorporating its dynamic nature. The area off Southwest Iberian Peninsula (SWIP), located between temperate and subtropical waters, includes oceanic and coastal domains affected by atmospheric and ocean circulation patterns, as well as coastal processes. The objectives of this study were to delineate a dynamic abiotic-based partition of the heterogeneous surface SWIP area into environmental provinces (EPs), evaluating their spatio-temporal distribution and abiotic properties, as well as the biological relevance of the partition. An unsupervised classification was based on nearly 10 years (2002–2011) of satellite- and model-derived data representative of physical, chemical and optical surface environments. Twelve EPs (two coastal, two slope and eight oceanic) presented areal coverage varying along the annual cycle with patterns significantly related to phytoplankton abundance and productivity. Highly significant intra-annual variability in province-specific area coverage and distinctions in the abiotic properties distinguished EPs predominant during cold (autumn–winter) and warm (spring–summer) periods. Areal coverage and abiotic properties of EPs predominant during the cold period presented higher variability in comparison to warm period EPs. During the warm period, the signature of coastal upwelling was evident, particularly over the western slope and coastal EPs. Riverine discharge was also a relevant local control of abiotic properties over coastal EPs. Overall, the spatio-temporal coverage patterns of EPs and abiotic and biotic properties showed a good agreement with previous studies of the SWIP area, particularly along the oceanic and slope sectors. The combination of a broad dataset, derived from products available through operational oceanography programs, and objective unsupervised data classification methods, represented a suitable strategy for characterizing SWIP ocean surface environment. Direct applications of this partition include its use as support for designing sampling strategies, ocean modelling, interpreting environmental and biological patterns, and ecosystem-based management.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Patterns and drivers of phytoplankton phenology off SW Iberia: a phenoregion based perspective

Phytoplankton patterns, tightly linked to the dynamics of the ocean surface layer and its atmospheric forcing, have major impacts on ecosystem functioning and are valuable indicators of its response to environmental variability and change. Phytoplankton phenology and its underlying drivers are spatially variable, and the study of its patterns, particularly over heterogeneous regions, benefits from a delineation of regions with specific phenological properties, or phenoregions. The area Southwest off the Iberian Peninsula (SWIP, NE Atlantic) integrates a highly complex set of coastal and ocean domains that collectively challenge the understanding of regional phytoplankton phenology and related forcing mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate phytoplankton phenology patterns over the SWIP area, during an 18-year period (September 1997 – August 2015), using an objective, unsupervised partition strategy (Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering – HAC) based on phenological indices derived from satellite ocean colour data. The partition is then used to describe region-specific phytoplankton phenological patterns related to bloom magnitude, frequency, duration and timing. Region-specific variability patterns in phenological indices and their linkages with environmental determinants, including local ocean physical-chemical variables, hydrodynamic variables and large scale climate indices, were explored using Generalized Additive Models (GAM). HAC analyses identified five coherent phenoregions over SWIP, with distinctive phytoplankton phenological properties: two open ocean and three coastal regions. Over the open ocean, a single, low magnitude and long bloom event per year, was regularly observed. Coastal phenoregions exhibited up to six short bloom events per year, and higher intra-annual and variability. GAM models explained 50–90% of the variance of all phenological indices except bloom initiation timing, and revealed that interannual patterns in phytoplankton phenology and their environmental drivers varied markedly among the five phenoregions. Over the oceanic phenoregions, large-scale climate indices (Eastern Atlantic Pattern, Atlantic Meridional Oscillation), mixed layer depth (MLD) and nitrate concentration preceding primary bloom events were influential predictors, reflecting the relevance of nutrient limitation. For the Coastal-Slope, a relatively more light-limited phenoregion, North Atlantic Oscillation and wind speed were more relevant, and bloom magnitude was also positively influenced by riverine discharge. This variable was a significant predictor of bloom frequency, magnitude and duration over the Riverine-influenced region. Over the Upwelling-influenced region, upwelling intensity and mean annual MLD showed stronger partial effects on phytoplankton phenology. Overall, our phenology-based unsupervised approach produced a biologically-relevant SWIP partition, providing an evaluation of the complexity of interactions between phytoplankton and multiple environmental forcing, particularly over coastal areas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unravelling region-specific environmental drivers of phytoplankton across a complex marine domain (off SW Iberia)

Phytoplankton, the dominant marine primary producers, are considered to be highly sensitive indicators of ecosystem condition and change. The southwest area off the Iberian Peninsula (SWIP, NE Atlantic) is located in a biogeographical transition zone between temperate and subtropical waters, and classified as being very vulnerable to climate change. SWIP includes a variety of oceanic and coastal domains, under the influence of topographic irregularities, coastal upwelling and continental freshwater outflows, that collectively challenge the understanding of phytoplankton dynamics and controls. This study aimed to evaluate patterns in seasonal and interannual variability in phytoplankton and underlying environmental determinants within specific regions of SWIP, during a 15-year period (1997–2012), and to assess whether climate variability affects the regions in different ways. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of satellite-retrieved sea surface chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), acquired from the Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI), 4-km, 16-day resolution, was used to regionalize the study area. Region-specific Chl-a variability patterns and their linkages with environmental determinants were explored using Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMM). A set of local physical-chemical variables, derived from satellite and model data, and large-scale climate indices, were used as environmental variables. EOF analysis of Chl-a variability over the heterogeneous SWIP area identified nine coherent regions, with distinctive variability patterns (4 coastals, 2 slopes and 3 open-ocean regions). Region specific GAMM models explained between 32% and 82% of Chl-a variance, with higher explanatory power (N61%) for open ocean regions and coastal regions under increased riverine influence. Chl-a model predictors, as well as their effects, varied markedly among SWIP regions. However, climate-sensitive local environmental variables (sea surface temperature – SST and photosynthetically available radiation) emerged as the most influential general predictors overall, and large-scale climate indices showed significant but minor effects. Over oceanic SWIP regions, Chl-a (0.08–1.50 μg L−1) showed a uni-modal annual cycle, with increases during the mixed layer deepening and late-winter maxima, reflecting seasonal changes in SST and ocean stratification, and probably related to increased nutrient availability and/or decreased mortality. Over coastal regions south of 37°N, Chl-a (0.23–10 μg L−1) also benefited from riverine discharges, mostly during winter, and upwelling induced by zonal westerly winds, stronger during summer. Over the Portuguese west coast region, Chl-a (0.26–2.20 μg L−1) showed a uni-modal annual cycle, with summer maxima, associated with the stimulatory effects of meridional northerly winds and coastal upwelling that partially extended into slope waters. Chl-a interannual variability showed zonal differences within SWIP, with significant interannual patterns only for regions south of 37°N. Nonetheless, contrasting trends were detected in coastal (decline) and oceanic (increase) regions, possibly a consequence of between-region differences in the relative roles of nutrient and light limitation, corresponding to significant interannual increases in wind speed and mixed layer depth. Our study used a biologically-relevant objective regionalization of a heterogeneous area, to elucidate phytoplankton dynamics and controls. The region-specific associations observed between phytoplankton and multiple climate-sensitive environmental drivers over the SWIP area reinforce the role of phytoplankton as a strategic element for evaluating ecosystem responses to climate variability and change.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ocean surface partitioning strategies using Ocean Colour Remote Sensing: a review

The ocean surface is organized into regions with distinct properties reflecting the complexity of interactions between environmental forcing and biological responses. The delineation of these functional units, each with unique, homogeneous properties and underlying ecosystem structure and dynamics, can be defined as ocean surface partitioning. The main purposes and applications of ocean partitioning include the evaluation of particular marine environments; generation of more accurate satellite ocean colour products; assimilation of data into biogeochemical and climate models; and establishment of ecosystem-based management practices. This paper reviews the diverse approaches implemented for ocean surface partition into functional units, using ocean colour remote sensing (OCRS) data, including their purposes, criteria, methods and scales. OCRS offers a synoptic, high spatial-temporal resolution, multi-decadal coverage of bio-optical properties, relevant to the applications and value of ocean surface partitioning. In combination with other biotic and/or abiotic data, OCRS-derived data (e.g., chlorophyll-a, optical properties) provide a broad and varied source of information that can be analysed using different delineation methods derived from subjective, expert-based to unsupervised learning approaches (e.g., cluster, fuzzy and empirical orthogonal function analyses). Partition schemes are applied at global to mesoscale spatial coverage, with static (time-invariant) or dynamic (time-varying) representations. A case study, the highly heterogeneous area off SW Iberian Peninsula (NE Atlantic), illustrates how the selection of spatial coverage and temporal representation affects the discrimination of distinct environmental drivers of phytoplankton variability. Advances in operational oceanography and in the subject area of satellite ocean colour, including development of new sensors, algorithms and products, are among the potential benefits from extended use, scope and applications of ocean surface partitioning using OCRS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sea–air CO2 flux in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre: Role and influence of Sub-Tropical Mode Water formation

The uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into the mid-latitudes of the North Atlantic Ocean through the production of wintertime Sub-Tropical Mode Water (STMW) also known as Eighteen Degree Water (EDW) is poorly quantified and constrained. Nonetheless, it has been proposed that the EDW could serve as an important short-term sink of anthropogenic CO2. The objective of the present investigation was to determine sea–air CO2 gas exchange rates and seawater CO2 dynamics during wintertime formation of EDW in the North Atlantic Ocean. During 2006 and 2007, several research cruises were undertaken as part of the CLIMODE project across the northwest Atlantic Ocean with the intent to study the pre-conditioning, formation, and the evolution of EDW. Sea–air CO2 exchange rates were calculated based on measurements of atmospheric pCO2, surface seawater pCO2 and wind speed with positive values denoting a net flux from the surface ocean to the atmosphere. Average sea–air CO2 flux calculated along cruise tracks in the formation region equaled ?18±6 mmol CO2 m?2 d?1 and ?14±9 mmol CO2 m?2 d?1 in January of 2006 and March of 2007, respectively. Average sea–air CO2 flux in newly formed outcropping EDW in February and March of 2007 equaled ?28±10 mmol CO2 m?2 d?1. These estimates exceeded previous flux estimates in this region by 40–185%. The magnitude of CO2 flux was mainly controlled by the observed variability in wind speed and ?pCO2 with smaller changes owing to variability in sea surface temperature. Small but statistically significant difference (4.1±2.6 ?mol kg?1) in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was observed in two occurrences of newly formed EDW in February and March of 2007. This difference was explained either by differences in the relative contribution from different water masses involved in the initial formation process of EDW or temporal changes owing to sea–air CO2 exchange (?25%) and vertical and/or lateral mixing (?75%) with water masses high in DIC from the cold side of the Gulf Stream and/or from below the permanent thermocline. Based on the present estimate of sea–air CO2 flux in newly formed EDW and a formation rate of 9.3 Sv y (Sverdrup year=106 m3 s?1 flow sustained for 1 year), CO2 uptake by newly formed EDW may constitute 3–6% of the total North Atlantic CO2 sink. However, advection of surface waters that carry an elevated burden of anthropogenic CO2 that are transported to the formation region and transformed to mode water may contribute additional CO2 to the total net uptake and sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 to the ocean interior