SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION DEDUCED FROM MODIS OCEAN COLOR DATA IN THE EDDY AREA HYUGA-NADA EAST KYUSHU SEAWATER

Total primary production resulting from the photosynthetic process can be defined as the amount of organic matter produced in a given period of time. It is proportional to the chlorophyll-a (chl-a) values in the surface layer of the ocean. The MODIS board on Aqua satellite measures visible and infrared radiation in 36 wavebands, providing simultaneous images of chl-a concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) in the upper layer of the sea. The seasonal distribution of chl-a concentration during one year from April 2005 to March 2006 was examined. Light has a role of starting the seasonal cycle. The Kuroshio Current in this area induces many oceanographical features affecting to the change of seasonal control. The chl-a concentration is also seasonal, which is low in summer and high in winter. In summer, the meandering of Kuroshio Current induces strong eddies and increases the chl-a concentration. In autumn, the delayed small autumn bloom occurred until last December due to the Kuroshio Current. When the Kuroshio axis moves far from the coast, the coastal water dominates and increases the concentration even in the winter. The spring bloom starts early at the beginning of March and decreases during the spring.