The application of remote sensing techniques for ocean dynamic studies is a common objective of two very distant NOAA Centers. In Puerto Rico, the coastal component of the Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center (CREST) is using ocean color sensors for the estimation of water quality parameters. In Oregon, the Cooperative Institute for Oceanographic Satellite Studies (CIOSS) uses several techniques, like microwave and ocean color, for remote sensing research and modeling of the ocean. Therefore, to explore the possibility of collaboration, the organizers of the CIOSS 5th Annual Cooperative Research Program (CoRP) Science Symposium invited CREST researchers to participate. This symposium took place August 12-13, 2008 at Gilfillan Auditorium on the Oregon State University (OSU) campus. The theme for the Symposium was “Data-Model Fusion – Use of Satellite Data with in situ Data and Models,” covering everything from simple data-model comparisons to complex data assimilation. Ramón Lopez, a graduate student of UPRM-Marine Sciences Department and working in CREST, presented a poster of his dissertation project about oceanic eddies. In addition, two other graduate students from engineering and working in CREST with non-ocean applications presented their posters. Fernando Gilbes also attended the symposium as part of the invitation from CIOSS Director, Ted Strub. He stayed at OSU an extra day to give the Departmental seminar titled “Challenges and Opportunities of Remote Sensing in Caribbean Coastal Waters” and met several researchers to discuss possible collaborations. This visit has allowed learning more about the interests and current activities of these two NOAA groups and hopefully will open channels for near-future collaborative projects.
