Water Quality How does your local stream or river affect marine ecosystems? David Herring (NOAA) Ed Laine (Bowdoin College) Emil Petruncio (U.S. Naval Academy) Jim Acker (NASA) LuAnn Dahlman (TERC) Erin Bardar (TERC)

Data In situ Remote Necessary Background Information Water quality and stream flow data from local stream, river, or body of water (collected by citizen or agency) Remote SeaWiFS and MODIS Chlorophyll a concentration, optical parameters, and Sea Surface Temperature data Buoy and station data (dissolved oxygen, temperature profile, turbidity, optical properties, chemical species) Necessary Background Information

Measuring turbidity with a Secchi disk. Ground Activity Direct citizen scientists to EPA Volunteer Monitor’s Guide for hands-on activities and procedures for local water quality testing (e.g., stream flow, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, turbidity, phosphorous, nitrates). Share findings with friends, community, and scientists as appropriate and possible. Measuring turbidity with a Secchi disk.

Example of Data Sharing Challenges

Satellite Activity Use Giovanni to look at oceanic chlorophyll a concentration data (and other parameters) over time. In chlorophyll images: Identify unusual features Note inter-annual/seasonal variations & look for anomalous events Hypothesize/search for possible causes (floods, droughts, releases, storms) Relate ocean anomalies to your local measurements to predict potential dead zones Look at buoy and SST data for supporting evidence. Phytoplankton off the Coast of California