ICOM Research

Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS)


In November of 2011 we discovered that Landsat imagery had the needed resolution for depicting Sargassum.  We use the Landsat data in conjunction with wind and current forecast to accurately predict Sargassum landings along the Texas gulf coast.  During the Sargassum season of 2012 we analyzed Landsat imageries as they became available and sent out 29 advisories to designated coastal managers.  With the absence near 100 percent cloud cover we were able to accurately predict Sargassum landings along the Texas coast.  Our goal is to pass on this model to the coastal managers so they can monitor these web sites to assist in their daily operations. This phase is designed to give up to a two week notice on Sargassum landings.  The Landsat images have been divided into three passes and cover all of the near coastal waters along the Texas coast.  Path 26 represents the far west coastline and is designated Sarwest with date of satellite flyover.  Path 25 designated Sarcen represents the central section of our monitoring grid.  Path 24 designated Sareast represents the far east sector of our grid.  These images are based on their respective path and are then transformed onto Google Earth to give interested parties a Texas coastal reference point.  Depicted Sargassum slicks and or mats are outlined in yellow for ease of recognition.

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