Regional features of seasonal variability of phytoplankton in the Black Sea studied by remote sensing data.

Abstract

Regional features of seasonal variability of phytoplankton in the Black Sea have been studied by use of the MODIS data. Verification of satellite data was carried out using an array of contact measurements of chlorophyll in different seasons of the year. Maps of the average monthly values of chlorophyll and PIC (particulate inorganic carbon) over a twenty-year period and diagrams of their seasonal variability were constructed for local waters of the Black Sea. At least four types of seasonal variability have been identified, which are determined by a combination of climatic, local hydrological and anthropogenic factors.