Bi-decadal observation of phytoplankton pigment variability in the East Sea/Japan Sea using CZCS, OCTS and SeaWiFS data

Abstract

A bi-decadal time series of ocean color now exists and will continue to grow to provide a long-term time series although a hiatus exists between 1986 and 1996. However, a precise comparison of CZCS (1978~1986), OCTS (1996~1997) and SeaWiFS (1997~present) is not easy due to differences in the sensor characteristics and processing algorithms. In the case of CZCS, limited observation frequency might present a serious sampling problem. Here we review some major features observed by these sensors in the East Sea/Japan Sea.