Optical properties on the continental shelves are complex, representing variable contributions of phytoplankton, Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), and non-algal particles. Over the past few years, the amount of optical data available via remote or in situ observations rapidly expanded. These observations have proven to be very effective at delineating hydrographic features not evident in the traditional physical data that are currently assimilated into numerical forecast models.

In this project, researches from Rutgers University, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dalhousie University and the California Polytechnic State University are working together combining physical and optical observations with models to enhance our understanding of coastal processes.

The main goals of the project are:

• To improve our capability of forecasting ocean color;
• To use ocean color observations to reveal features not easily seen on hydrographic fields and, therefore, improve physical models.

• The development and improvement of data assimilation techniques, which includes the use of physical and optical data;
• The continuous expansion of our observational capabilities. That includes access to an international constellation of satellites (thermal images, ocean color and synthetic aperture radar), nested CODAR arrays providing hourly maps of surface velocities spanning the entire Middle Atlantic Bight, and a fleet of coastal AUVs (Gliders and REMUSs) capable of measuring in situ physical and optical properties;
• The use of coupled models to investigate the relation between the ocean physics and optics on the Middle Atlantic Bight.

The R/V Hatteras sailing the ocean waves of NJ at sunset.

Rutgers University Glider soon after deployment

Gliders ready for deployment off New Jersey

Project Result

• Cahill, B., Schofield, O., Bissett, W. P. The evolution of the coastal optics associated with a turbid plumes and feedbacks on nearshore physics.  Geophysical Research Letters (in preparation).
• Castelao, R., Schofield, O., Glenn, S. M., Chant, R., Kohut, J. Cross-shelf transport of fresh water on the New Jersey Shelf. Journal of Geophysical Research (in press).
• Castelao, R., Glenn, S., Schofield, O., Chant, R., Wilkin, J., Kohut, J. Seasonal evolution of hydrographic fields in the central Middle Atlantic Bight from glider observations. Geophysical Research Letters (submitted).
• Dubinsky, Z., Schofield, O. A review: Photosynthesis under extreme low and high light. Journal of Phycology (submitted).
• Glenn, S. M., Twardowski, M., Schofield, O. Sediment resuspension processes during storms on the continental shelves. Limnology and Oceanography (submitted).
• Gong, D., Castelao, R., Kohut, J., Schofield, O., Glenn, S. Characterizing summer time shelf-slope exchange processes on the New Jersey Shelf.  Limnology and Oceanography (submitted).
• Johnsen, G., Schofield, O., Pinckney, J. Egeland, E. Monitoring of phytoplankton blooms and other local scale features: How to trace phytoplankton pigment signatures in situ. in Pigments in Oceanography. UNESCO, Paris (revised version submitted).
• Hunter, E., Chant, R. M., Schofield, O., Wilkin, J. Impact of optical parameterization of turbid waters on ocean mixing. Geophysical Research Letters (in preparation).
• Kahl, A., Hencken, J., Schofield, O. Effect of phytoplankton physiology on particle aggregation and export flux. Limnology and Oceanography (revised manuscript submitted).
• Schofield, O., Chant, R., Hunter, E., Moline M. A., Reinfelder, J., Glenn, S. M., Frazer, T. Optical transformations in a turbid buoyant plume. Journal of Geophysical Research (submitted).
• Schofield, O., Kohut, J., Aragon, D., Creed, L., Graver, J., Haldeman, C., Kerfoot, J., Roarty, H., Jones, C., Webb, D., Glenn, S. M. 2007. Slocum Gliders: Robust and ready.  Journal of Field Robotics. 24(6): 473-485.  DOI: 10:1009/rob.20200.

Project Resources

• Sakai Project Page
• Project participants can find out the latest schedules, working documents and news on our internal project page.
• MURI Project
  Find a detailed description of the project, including the full proposal funded by the Office of Naval Research.
• Glider blog from 100th mission - Blog describing the Rutgers University's 100th underwater glider mission from Massachusetts to New Jersey, launched from UMass-Dartmouth on March 13, 2007
• Real-time observations  - The latest observations for the MURI region, including glider observations, SST imagery and HF surface velocity maps
• Regional Model Hindcast Experiment  - Results from a shelf-scale circulation model used to hindcast the coastal circulation in the Middle Atlantic Bight during June, 2003 - December 2006
• Proposal Information