Variations in Surface Temperature at the Land-Water Interface from ECOSTRESS Imagery

Abstract:

The ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) affords unique opportunities to make frequent thermal infrared observations of coastal areas at high spatial resolution. ECOSTRESS was launched in June 2018 and mounted on the International Space Station. Level-2 ECOSTRESS Land Surface Temperature (LST) imagery is used here to assess the variability of coastal surface temperatures in ecologically important areas including National Marine Sanctuaries in the Channel Islands and Florida Keys. The increased spatial resolution of ECOSTRESS allows for the resolution of features such as beaches that lie along the land-water interface. Additionally, the varied overpass times of ECOSTRESS allow for observations at different times of day, unlike polar orbiting satellite sensors such as MODIS or VIIRS. We define a simple metric called a shore temperature profile, consisting of ECOSTRESS-derived surface temperature measurements along a transect line perpendicular to the shoreline which runs from the water, over the intertidal zone and beach, and then onto land. In this study, we examine variations in shore temperature profiles, both over diurnal cycles and between locations including both sandy beach and rocky shore environments in sub-tropical and temperate regions.