Oceanographic observation of New York Bight from ERTS-1

The author has identified the following significant events. The Earth Resources Technology Satellite made a transit over New York Bight on 16 August, 1972. Imagery from this transit shows several oceanographic features that demonstrate the usefulness of remote sensing for large area, synoptic observation of changes in water quality in the coastal zone. Both the extent and turbulent character of the Hudson River plume are discernible in the image. Residue from a dump of waste acid is visible over a five mile area in the apex of the Bight. Little dispersion of this residue has occurred which suggests that this feature will be a persistent signature in images from future satellite transits.