Through the 'Terrestrial Biophysics and Remote Sensing' computing facility, we will acquire 16 day composited MODIS surface reflectances and vegetation indices on a continuous basis starting from June 2000. This data will be at the enhanced, 250 m pixel resolution with some of the bands (blue, green, and middle infrared) sharpened from 500m to 250 m. Preliminary analyses of this area has shown the tremendous value of 250 m data in capturing the seasonal temporal dynamics of the overall floodplain. The MODIS data is already calibrated and corrected for atmosphere effects, particularly with its narrow near infrared bandpass, which is essentially free of water vapor influences. The temporal sensitivity of the 16 day MODIS time series will allow us to monitor the Colorado delta and floodplain on a continuous basis for the detection of "hotspots" for more detailed analysis. In such cases, we will purchase and utilize Landsat ETM+ imagery for the more intensive analysis. Depending on the severity and type of 'change', we may also employ the rapid response, MQUALS light aircraft, sensor package for a flyover within 1-2 weeks.

   The combined ETM+/ MODIS data monitoring protocol, integrated with the MQUALS package, becomes a powerful methodology for studying the dynamics of water flow and vegetation responses along the Colorado River floodplain (Glenn et al., 2001c).