Integration of Earth Observation data to improve the knowledge of upwelling phenomenon in the Strait of Messina.

The work focuses on the data Earth Observation (EO) integration with different spatial and temporal resolution according to the Group on EO Working Plan 2009-2011. In particular, the "Ecosystem observations will be better harmonized and shared, spatial and topical gaps will be filled, and in situ data will be better integrated with spacebased observations" (GEOSS Societal Benefit Areas) is the main challenge applied to the Strait of Messina. The area is a coastal site with a remarkable economic and environmental role addressable to the complex dynamic of the water body. The strait is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea with strong current and vortex due to the morphology of the site. In this area, the upwelling is a hydrological phenomenon that strongly impacts the marine ecosystem. The upwelling systems are characterized by increased 'biological richness'. The principal indicator of upwelling is low sea surface temperature (SST). Since 1994, SST and phytoplankton were measured by continuous underway surface measurements onboard dedicated research boats. During 1999-2002, these in-situ measurements have been integrated with remote sensing image acquired by MIVIS airborne sensor. The integration meets the requirements to validate the empirical algorithm applied to remotely data in order to retrieve the phytoplankton and, the remote sensing provides a synoptic view of upwelling phenomenon by mapping the SST and the phytoplankton into the water body of the strait.