Multi-functional airborne fluorescence lidar to assess ocean systems health and marine pollution (FLOR-A)

The biomass and composition of phytoplankton are crucial indicators of ecosystem productivity and health, reflecting nutrient availability, water quality, and environmental conditions in ocean systems. However, coastal areas are increasingly threatened by pollution from anthropogenic sources, particularly plastic. Understanding the intricate interplay between phytoplankton dynamics, biogeochemical processes (including coral), and pollution is essential for assessing and mitigating the impacts on coastal health. Prior studies have shown the value of fluorescence measurands from phytoplankton near the surface and pollution events such as oil spills. Missions such as CALIPSO and ICESat2 have demonstrated the power of vertical resolution through the water column. Inelastic scattering, such as Raman and fluorescence, provides context to the returned elastic backscatter signals to better understand complex water composition and pollution. Benefits of an ocean lidar include creating a three-dimensional view of the water column, enabling observation of diurnal phenomena at night, and advancing our understanding of pollution. We propose the Fluorescence Lidar for Ocean Research - Airborne (FLOR-A) instrument, which vertically resolves the water column through detection of backscatter at its transmit wavelengths of 355 and 532nm, and employs a spectrometer with high gating resolution to measure ocean-column-integrated laser-induced fluorescence and Raman returns. We will build upon the previously funded FLORO IIP-ICD that explored the feasibility of utilizing fluorescence signatures for the identification and characterization of near-surface and submerged marine plastic debris. Building upon the TRL3 study results, an airborne ocean lidar demonstrates the power of inelastic scattering to identify pollution. FLOR-A will fly off the coast of Florida to target complex waters in the Gulf, shallow reef systems near the Keys, and known debris accumulation in convergence zones, such as windrows. In addition, FLOR-A will demonstrate how an active instrument complements ocean color measurements through the demonstration campaign. Our team of lidar technologists (including the PI) is from Ball Aerospace. Research and applications support are provided by co-investigators from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Oregon State University, the University of Miami, and collaboration with NOAA.

Increase scientific understanding of natural phenomena using remote sensing.

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