NORMALIZED FLUORESCENCE LINE HEIGHT (NFLH) VARIATION OVER MALAYSIA MARITIME (2003-2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJIREV.824036Keywords:
GIOVANNI, Malaysia, MODIS, nFLH, PhytoplanktonAbstract
The main intention of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of normalized Fluorescence Line Heights (nFLH) over Malaysia's maritime region from 2003 to 2024. The analysis utilized the monthly Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua, nFLH product, that could be freely accessed through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Geospatial Interactive Online Visualization and Analysis Infrastructure (GIOVANNI) system. Time average map that was developed for the period of 2003 to 2024 finds high nFLH values consistently observed along the coastal regions, particularly along the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia and coastal zone of Sarawak. This area exhibits nFLH values ranging between 1.0 ´ 10⁻¹ and 5.0 ´ 10⁻¹ W m-2 mm-1 sr-1. This finding correlates with an increment in phytoplankton activity driven by nutrient input from terrestrial runoff, particularly near the river mouth. During northeast monsoon season, an increment in the fluorescence levels, clearly seen over South China Sea and Sabah’s coastal water. The increment mostly due to the nutrient influx from monsoon rain. In contrast, low fluorescence levels were observed during the inter-monsoon and southwest periods. A decline in nFLH values over the study period suggests a decrement in phytoplankton biomass. This finding highlights the significant role of the northeast monsoon in influencing the nutrient cycle and biological productivity over Malaysia’s coastal waters.
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