ANALYSIS OF HYDROLOGICAL AND CLIMATIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ALGAL BLOOMS BASED ON REMOTE SENSING PRODUCTS AROUND THE COASTAL REGION IN THE ARABIAN GULF

Abstract

Algal Blooms (ABs) are a global ecological disaster threatening aquatic ecosystems, human health, and economics. In the Arabian Gulf, monitoring and early warning systems are needed due to a lack of in-situ data. This study detects ABs using advanced satellite-based remote sensing data. The study has three goals: 1) Document temporal and spatial AB patterns in the Arabian Gulf, focusing on Qatar's coastal zone; 2) Analyze key oceanographic factors causing ABs; and 3) Quantify correlations between these factors and past ABs to enable predictive models in early warning systems. Satellite image-based data revealed a modest positive association (r=0.58) between sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a levels, with the highest AB from May to September. Salinity has a smaller negative connection (r=-0.26) with chlorophyll and a positive correlation with easterly winds. These findings have major implications for early warning systems, Arabian Gulf ABs management, and regional preparation.