Satellite thermal imagery is combined with automated chemical analysis of surface waters off central California to detect and better understand a 'nutrient upwelling' entering the California Current system. While thermal surface water features have been mapped successfully from satellites for a number of years, the relationship of satellite thermal imagery to nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, has not been established. As a result of such efforts, satellite remote sensors may help to explain the relationship between chemical mesoscale and pelagic ecosystems of the ocean.

A study of the relationship between oceanic chemical mesoscale and sea surface thermal structure as detected by satellite infrared imagery. In recent years the study of ocean fronts and eddies has become increasingly important to the U.S. Navy for they are of vital importance in understanding underwater sound transmission.From the history of satellite pictures for the area of the ocean off the central California coast , it appears that cold water which has come to the surface as a result of upwelling has become intertwined within the California Current.The persistent thermal DO UNCLASSIFIED fg»eu»wTy ei*in>ic«Tiow or tin •i9(«~.* features in the sea surface which are formed were the subject area of this study.