Seasonal and Spatial Variability of SST Using MODIS Data: the Case Study of Aegean Sea

Abstract

This paper focuses on the analysis of spatial and temporal variability of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) derived from Aqua Moderate Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) infrared imagery in the Aegean Sea. Data were organized to examine both seasonal and monthly variation of SST during 2005 - 2008. The four year period was chosen as a first approach to address and describe this phenomenon. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, while hot spots and SST anomalies for each month and season were identified. The results show a smooth monthly variation of SST with February to be the coldest month while July the hottest as expected. The year with the higher average SST value was 2007 with 25.1 o C while 2006 presents the minimum average value. In addition, the high resolution maps of 1 km that extracted from the analysis with a wide spatial coverage, allows to the detail representation of SST in the region. This helps to produce a rich eddy field and it allows monitoring the outflow of Black Sea Waters through the Dardanelles Strait.