Changes in ocean properties associated with Hurricane Isabel

This Letter analyses changes in ocean colour properties caused by hurricane Isabel. Isabel hit the east coast of the USA on 18 September 2003 causing excessive rainfall and unprecedented flooding. This resulted in drastic changes in land and coastal ocean water bodies. The present study involves the use of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data for mapping the changes in ocean colour brought by Isabel. Significant increases in the chlorophyll and suspended matter concentrations were found along the entire eastern coastline. Higher rainfall estimated by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and wind speed estimated by the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) were found, associated with hurricane Isabel, and are responsible for the changes in ocean colour properties.