Remote sensing visualization and quantification of ammonia emission from an inland seabird colony

Abstract Remote sensing measurements of ammonia emitted by a near-monotypic seabird colony established on an islet in the Salton Sea (Imperial Valley, California) are described. The compact (3 ha) nature of the island affords a constrained environment that provides an ideal case study for validating models of ammonia emission from seabird colonies. Incorporated as part of a coordinated approach to future field campaigns, the techniques demonstrated would provide a means for validation and refinement of current seabird ammonia emission models on a case study basis. This would contribute to an improved understanding of the nitrogen cycle, especially in remote ocean locales.