library(terra)
library(ggplot2)
library(dplyr)

Project status

This project is investigating whether bathymetric structure in the western Peconic Estuary can be used as a spatial proxy layer for later comparison with SST, chlorophyll-a, and shellfish-use areas. At this stage, I have prioritized the bathymetry workflow because it is the most stable input layer and is necessary before comparing other raster products.

Load NOAA CUDEM bathymetry

Crop to preliminary study area

Convert elevation to water-depth proxy

First visualization

To expand…

The main unresolved issue is that bathymetry alone does not actually measure water exchange, residence time, upwelling, nutrient retention, or scallop mortality. It only provides a physical spatial layer that can later be compared with SST, chlorophyll-a, and shellfish-use areas. The next technical issue is identifying satellite products with sufficient Peconic coverage and resolution.

Next steps

  1. Derive bathymetric slope from the cropped DEM (actually)
  2. Classify shallow, moderate, and deeper bathymetric zones.
  3. Download one test chlorophyll-a layer and check whether Peconic coverage is usable.
  4. Download two SST dates and calculate a preliminary SST difference layer.
  5. Add shellfish closure or lease polygons if time allows.