Velocity of Sargassum migration in the Caribbean observed with Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel 2 A/B imagery.

ABSTRACT: Imagery from Landsat 8/9 (L89) and Sentinel-2 A/B (S2) was employed to monitor the velocity migration of Sargassum aggregations. The displacement characteristics of these aggregations offer insights that can inform the formulation of preventive strategies and the planning of harvesting operations for the floating biomass. Images L89 and S2 are sometimes acquired the same day and a few minutes apart. Sargassum landmark identification was performed manually on enhanced RGB composite images using quotient indices. A review of images between 2019 and 2023 was performed to select rafts that were distinguishable in both images. Geographic positions were recorded to determine traveled distance, direction, and speed. Pairs of 279 rafts were found on 21 coincident dates. Ninety eight percent of Sar

SUBMITTER: Hernandez-Nunez H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11902290 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature