Larry Breaker, Ph.D.

lbreaker [at] mlml [dot] calstate [dot] edu

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
8272 Moss Landing Rd.
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Phone #: 831-771-4498

CURRENT CV

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2001 - Present: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, CA

Currently Adjunct Professor at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML). Previously, as Visiting Scientist, coordinated the seminar series at the laboratory for the 2001-02 academic year. Presently serving as lead PI on a NASA-funded project to use ocean models and SAR imagery to estimate cloud-related biases in our understanding of the upper ocean during periods of extended cloud cover off the California coast. Have received Sea Grant awards to (1) reconstruct the 82-year time series of daily sea surface temperature at Hopkins Marine Station, (2) produce a climatology of ocean fronts off the California coast using imagery from the GOES-10 geostationary satellite, and (3), develop statistical models or proxies to predict offshore parameters based on coastal observations. Reconstruction of the Hopkins times series has led to three manuscripts that have been submitted for publication related to the reconstruction and analysis of this record. Co-taught graduate courses in Satellite Oceanography (2002) and Ocean Modeling (2003). Advising students on thesis-related research. Consulted for Duke Power on the impact of thermal discharge in Morro Bay (2001). Consultant for Monterey Peninsula College on the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) program.

1987 - 2000: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Washington, D.C.

Senior Research Physical Scientist at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration=s (NOAA=s) National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Invited to speak on the predictability of El Nino events using statistical techniques at the international PACLIM conference on climate change (1989). Completed a study on the oceanic conditions surrounding the Puerto Rican tanker oil spill off San Francisco in 1984, and why efforts to forecast the spill=s movements failed (1990). Selected by NOAA=s Satellite Service (NESDIS) to teach a series of short courses on satellite oceanography to NOAA and Navy forecasters (1991). Together with the National Ice Center, assembled a sea ice climatology for the Arctic Ocean (1992). Developed a new approach for correlating vector quantities which has been adopted by major research institutions such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (1993). Initiated a new program to measure coastal currents using sequential AVHRR satellite imagery. As principal investigator for this project, submitted proposals to obtain funding from NOAA=s Coastal Ocean Program in 1991 and 1992 to develop the methodology necessary to implement this approach operationally. This work led to a new experimental ocean surface current analysis which was initiated in 1993. Proposed development of a satellite-based surface current analysis to NESDIS management incorporating the results of feature tracking, altimetry, and satellite-tracked drifting buoys(1996). As part of this activity, obtained funding from NESDIS (1997-99) to develop procedures for using imagery from the GOES-8 satellite to estimate coastal currents using the feature tracking approach. Conducted an in-depth evaluation of a new instrument to measure moisture in the marine boundary layer for extended periods on buoy platforms at sea. Collaboration with the National Data Buoy Center led to two publications that documented the results of this evaluation(1997).

Served as project leader from1995 to 2000, in the testing, development, and evaluation of NOAA=s emerging Coastal Ocean Forecast System (an ocean circulation model for the U.S. East Coast). Worked closely with the National Ocean Service and Princeton University in completing the operational implementation of this system. Gave formal briefings on the status of the Coastal Ocean Forecast System to the Directors of the National Weather Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, NESDIS, the Director of NOAA, and to the Oceanographer of the Navy. Served as principal investigator for the National Weather Service together with 8 other organizations on a recently funded project (~$2M) to demonstrate the present capability in coastal marine forecasting based on the Coastal Ocean Forecast System which was sponsored by the National Ocean Partnership Program. Completed several studies on the application of neural networks to the retrieval of ocean surface winds from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager satellite instrument. This work has led to the development of a neural network-based wind speed algorithm which has become operational at NCEP and may be adopted as a national standard by the U.S. Navy. Organized and chaired a symposium on AThe Application of Neural Networks to Problems in Meteorology and Oceanography@ (two sessions) as part of the Third SIAM Conference in the Geosciences (San Antonio, TX: 2/95). Selected to represent the National Weather Service on all issues related to ocean color satellite data (1995). Advised students from the University Delaware and the U.S. Naval Academy on topics related to satellite oceanography and gave invited lectures at both institutions. Served on two Ph.D. committees at the University of Delaware. Served as a consultant for the Litton/TASC Corporation.

1996 - 1999: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Graduate School, Washington, D.C.

Instructor (part-time) in the Environmental Program at the USDA. Taught an introductory course entitled AEnvironmental Science@. Selected to serve on the Environmental Science Advisory Committee at the USDA (2/99).

1986 - 1987: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML), Moss Landing, CA

Selected for a one-year appointment as Visiting Scientist at MLML. Conducted a comprehensive study on the circulation of Monterey Bay, the results of which were (1) presented at various seminars, and (2) later published (1994). The resulting publication entitled AThe Circulation of Monterey Bay and Related Processes@ has become the definitive work on this subject. Advised the Director on satellite remote sensing and its relation to ongoing research programs at MLML. Chosen by EG&G as a consultant on satellite oceanography for BLM=s Northern California Coastal Circulation Study (1986).

1984 - 1986: Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey, CA

Adjunct Professor of Oceanography at NPS. Taught the following courses: (1) Advanced Topics on Satellite Remote Sensing of the

Atmosphere and Ocean

(2) Operational Oceanography (oceanographic cruise planning and data collection aboard an oceanographic research vessel)

(3) Computer Techniques and Fortran Programming

(4) Physical Oceanography for Navy Ocean Technicians.

Advisor on M.S. Thesis entitled ACluster Analysis Applied to Water Mass Identification.@ Discovered a 40-50 day cycle in oceanographic time series along the California coast that may be linked to the 40-50 day oscillation in the tropical troposphere, and ultimately to El Nino events. Published results in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Sciences (1988). Documented, and provided a theoretical basis for understanding, the seasonal expansion of coastal upwelling off central California (1983).

Gave formal briefing to Mr. David Packard, founder of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, on the possibilities of establishing an exhibit at the Aquarium based on satellite coverage of Monterey Bay (1982). Invited to appear on public TV to discuss the impact of relocating a colony of sea otters to southern California (1985). Served as an expert witness in a drowning incident related to the nearshore circulation of Santa Monica Bay for the law firm of Belli and Sabih (1986

1984 - 1986: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Monterey, CA

Senior Research Scientist with SAIC (part-time). Wrote and submitted a proposal to the Bureau of Land Management to study the relationship between upwelling fronts using infrared and ocean color satellite data, and the distribution of seabirds along the California coast. Was awarded this contract and completed the study as a consultant.

1982 - 1983: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA

Completed requirements for Ph.D. degree in oceanography with a minor in meteorology. Completed dissertation under the supervision of Prof. C.N.K. Mooers.

1974 - 1982: National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS), San Francisco, CA

Satellite Oceanographer with NOAA/NESDIS. Developed techniques for processing and analyzing data received from the NOAA polar-orbiting satellites. Planned and participated in several surface-truth experiments comparing in situ oceanographic and satellite data along the West Coast helping to establish its acceptance as a valid source of data for oceanographic applications. During an oceanographic study aboard the USNS De Steiguer in the Gulf of California, demonstrated the use of real-time satellite data to guide shipboard acquisition of oceanographic data. Made the first (and perhaps only) absolute measurements of sea surface temperature (SST) using in-flight calibration data from the Very High Resolution Radiometer together with a simple model for atmospheric attenuation, resulting in a NOAA technical report. Developed new applications for satellite data including a program to assist commercial fishermen in locating fish-productive areas. Worked closely with SEA GRANT marine advisors in developing and validating this program. Developed an operational SST analysis combining features identified in satellite imagery with conventional ship and buoy reports. Regularly prepared satellite-derived SST/ocean feature analyses for NOAA=s Oceanographic Monthly Summary. Constructed a time history of geostationary satellite imagery of the Sierra Nevada snow pack illustrating its seasonal retreat and presented results at a NASA-sponsored conference on snow hydrology (1976). Presented seminars on ocean remote sensing to local universities, SEA GRANT workshops, Oceanic Society, Navy, commercial fishing associations, and other scientific and lay audiences. Attended the Naval Postgraduate School to study oceanography and meteorology (1977).

1961 - 1974: U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), Washington, D.C.

Rose from entry level Oceanographer to Senior Scientist aboard ship during first five years of employment at NAVOCEANO. Participated in oceanographic surveys on over twenty different oceanographic ships plus the the nuclear submarine, SSN SKATE, and was senior scientist on at least ten occasions. Acquired underwater acoustic data as well as classical oceanographic data aboard ship. Discovered a major uncharted seamount in the eastern tropical Atlantic aboard the research vessel USNS COMPASS ISLAND (1962). Made two deep dives (to 5,000 feet) aboard the Deep Research Vehicle ALVIN in the Bahamas to study the acoustic properties of the ocean bottom (1967). Attended University of Miami and obtained the M.S. Degree (1967-69). Promoted to Supervisory Oceanographer and then to Scientific Staff Assistant in the Undersea Surveillance Oceanography Center (1970). Served as group leader for collecting, analyzing, and reporting underwater acoustic data acquired at various U.S. Navy SOSUS stations around the world (1970-74). Presented results of a major study on acoustic propagation in the Barents Sea at a NATO conference in La Spezia, Italy (1972).

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS [Oral (Or) and Poster (P)]*

American Geophysical Union (8 Or**, 2P)

American Meteorological Society (4 Or)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (1 Or)

2^nd & 3^rd Thematic Conferences on Remote Sensing for Marine and Coastal Environments (2 P)

Third SIAM Conference in the Geosciences (Chairman plus 1 Or)

Marine Technology Society (2 Or)

International Neural Network Society Conference (1 Or)

Eastern Pacific Oceanographic Conference (2 Or)

Pacific Climate (PACLIM) Conference (2 Or)

Coastal Zone 99 (1 Or)

*Titles and dates available upon request.

**One invited

WRITTEN CONTRIBUTIONS

Breaker, L.C., 2004: What's happening in Monterey Bay on seasonal to interdecadal time scales?". Accepted for publication in Continental Shelf Research.

Breaker, L.C., W.W. Broenkow, and M.W. Denny, 2004: Reconstructing an 83-year time series of daily sea surface temperature at Pacific Grove, California. Submitted to the CalCOFI Reports for 2005.

Broenkow, W.W., and L.C. Breaker, 2004: A 30-year history of the tides and currents in Elkhorn Slough, California. Submitted to Coastal, Estuarine, and Shelf Science.

Breaker, L.C., D.B. Rao, J.G.W.Kelley, I. Rivin, and B. Balasubramaniyan, 2003: Development of a real-time coastal ocean forecast system. Journal of the Marine Technology Society, 38, 61 - 79.

Breaker,L.C., W.H. Gemmill, P.W.deWitt, and D.S. Crosby, 2002: A curious relationship between the winds and currents at the western entrance of the Santa Barbara Channel. Journal of Geophysical Research,108, doi:10.1029/2002JC001458, 1 - 17.

Breaker, L.C., P.C. Liu, and C. Torrence, 2001: Intraseasonal oscillations in sea surface temperature, wind stress and sea level off the central California coast. Continental Shelf Research, 21, 727 - 750.

Thiebaux,H.J., B. Katz, J.G.W.Kelley, L.C. Breaker, and B. Balasubramaniyan, 2000: National ocean partnership project advances real-time ocean forecasting. EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 81, 145,150.

Breaker,L.C., V.M.Krasnopolsky, and E.M.Maturi, 2000: GOES-8 imagery as a new source of data to conduct ocean feature tracking. Remote Sensing of Environment, 73, 198 - 206.

Krasnopolsky, V.M., W.H. Gemmill, and L.C. Breaker, 2000: A neural network multi-parameter algorithm for SSM/I ocean retrievals: comparisons and validations. Remote Sensing of Environment, 73, 133 - 143.

Breaker, L.C., J.G.W.Kelly, L.D.Burroughs,J.L.Miller, B.Balasubramaniyan ,and J.B.Zaitzeff, 1999: The impact of a high discharge event on the structure and evolution of the Chesapeake Bay plume based on model results. Journal of Marine Environmental Engineering, 5, 311- 349.

Krasnopolsky, V.M., W.H. Gemmill, and L.C. Breaker, 1999: A multi-parameter empirical ocean algorithm for SSM/I retrievals. Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing, 25, 486 - 503.

Breaker, L.C., and D.B. Rao, 1998: Experience gained during the implementation of NOAA=s coastal ocean forecast system. Proceedings of the Ocean Community Conference =98, Vol. 1, Marine Technology Society Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, 235 - 241.

Breaker, L.C., D.B. Gilhousen, and L.D. Burroughs, 1998: Preliminary results from long -term measurements of atmospheric moisture in the marine boundary layer in the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 15, 661 - 676.

Breaker, L.C., D.B. Gilhousen, H. Tolman, and L.D. Burroughs, 1998: Initial results from long- term measurements of atmospheric moisture and related parameters in the marine boundary layer at two locations in the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Marine Systems, 16, 199 - 217.

Chalikov,D., L.C.Breaker, V.M.Krasnopolsky, and D.B. Rao, 1998: Revisiting the question of assimilating temperature alone into a full equation of state ocean model. Ocean Modelling, Issue 116, 13 - 14.

Kelley, J.G.W., F. Aikman, L.C. Breaker, and G.L. Mellor, 1997: Coastal ocean forecasts, real-time forecasts of physical state of water level, 3-D currents, temperature, salinity for U.S. East Coast. Sea Technology, 38, 10 - 17.¹

Aikman, F., G.L. Mellor, T. Ezer, D. Shienin, L.C. Breaker, K. Bosley, P. Chen, and D.B. Rao, 1996: Toward an operational nowcast/forecast system for the U.S. East Coast. Modern Approaches to Data Assimilation in Ocean Modeling, P. Malanotte - Rizolli, and D. Halpern, Eds., Elsevier Oceanography Series, 61, 347 - 376.

Breaker, L.C., W.H. Gemmill, and V.M. Krasnopolsky, 1995: Surface wind speed over the ocean inferred from brightness temperatures acquired from the SSM/I. Backscatter, 6, 8, 15.

Breaker, L.C., V.M. Krasnopolsky, D.B. Rao, and X.H. Yan, 1995: A reply to comments by Garvine on the feasibility of estimating ocean surface currents on an operational basis using satellite feature tracking methods. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 76, 1816 -1817.

Krasnopolsky, V.M., L.C. Breaker, and W.H. Gemmill,1995: A neural network as a nonlinear transfer function model for retrieving surface wind speeds from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager. Journal of Geophysical Research, 100, 11033 -11045.

Breaker, L.C., and W.W. Broenkow, 1994: The circulation of Monterey Bay and related processes. Oceanography and Marine Biology, An Annual Review, 32, 1 - 64.

Breaker, L.C., W.H. Gemmill, and D.S. Crosby, 1994: The application of a new definition for vector correlation to problems in oceanography and meteorology. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 33, 1354 - 1365.

Breaker, L.C., L.D. Burroughs, Y.Y. Chao, J.F. Culp, N.L. Guinasso, R.L. Teboulle, and C.R. Wong, 1994: The impact of Hurricane Andrew on the near-surface marine environment in the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico. Weather and Forecasting, 9, 542 - 556.

Breaker, L.C., V.M. Krasnopolsky, D.B. Rao, and X.H. Yan, 1994: The feasibility of estimating ocean surface currents on an operational basis using satellite feature tracking methods. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 75, 2085 - 2095.

Krasnopolsky, V.M., and L.C. Breaker, 1994: The problem of AVHRR image navigation revisited. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 15, 979 - 1008.

Breaker, L.C., and A. Bratkovich, 1993: Oceanic processes contributing to the displacement of oil spilled off San Francisco by the M/V PUERTO RICAN. Marine Environmental Research, 36, 153 - 184.

Crosby, D.S., L.C. Breaker,and W.H. Gemmill, 1993: A proposed definition for vector correlation in geophysics: theory and application. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 10, 355 - 367.

Yan, X.H., and L.C. Breaker, 1993: Surface circulation estimation using image processing and computer vision methods applied to sequential imagery. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 59, 407 - 413.

Breaker, L.C., 1990: Estimating and removing sensor-induced correlation for AVHRR satellite data. Journal of Geophysical Research, 95, 9701 - 9711.

Breaker, L.C., 1989: El Nino and related variability in sea surface temperature along the central California coast. AGU Volume on Aspect of Climate Variability in the Pacific and the Western Americas, D.H. Peterson, Ed., Geophysical Monograph 55, 133 - 140.

Breaker, L.C., W.W.Broenkow, J.L.Mueller, C.S.Wu and E.B. Thornton, 1988: Aspects of the circulation in Monterey Bay. Proceedings of the Symposium, Managing Inflows to California=s Bays and Estuaries, The Bay Institute, Monterey, California, 154 - 158.

Breaker, L.C., and P.A.W. Lewis, 1988: A 40 to 50 day oscillation in sea surface temperature along the central California coast. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 26, 395 - 408.

Breaker, L.C., J.L.Mueller, and C.H.Wash, 1986: Satellite observed changes in sea surface temperature and ocean color resulting from significant changes in wind forcing over the California Current. EOS, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union, 66, 1258.

Breaker, L.C., and C.N.K. Mooers,1986: Oceanic variability off the central California coast. Progress in Oceanography, 17, 61-135.

Breaker, L.C., J.C. Arvesen, D. Frydenlund, J.S.Meyers, and K. Short, 1985: Sea surface and remotely sensed temperatures off Cape Mendocino, California. NASA Tech. Memo. 86712, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 26 pp.

Breaker, L.C., 1983: The space-time scales of variability in oceanic thermal structure off the central California coast. Ph.D. Dissertation. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, 483 pp.

Breaker, L.C., and R.P. Gilliland, 1981: A satellite sequence on upwelling along the California coast. AGU Volume on Coastal Upwelling, F. A. Richards, Ed., 87 - 94.

Breaker, L.C., 1981: The application of satellite remote sensing to west coast fisheries. Journal of the Marine Technology Society, 15, 32 - 40.¹

Traganza, E.D., J.C. Conrad, and L.C. Breaker, 1981: Satellite observations of a cyclonic upwelling system and giant plume in the California Current. AGU Volume on Coastal Upwelling, F.A. Richards, Ed., 228 - 241.

Breaker, L.C., J. Klein, and M. Pitts, 1978: Quantitative measurements of sea surface temperature at several locations using the NOAA-3 Very High Resolution Radiometer. NOAA Tech. Memo., National Environmental Satellite Service 98, Washington, D.C., 28 pp.

Bernstein, R.L., L.C. Breaker, and R. Whritner, 1977: California current eddy formation: ship, air, and satellite results. Science, 195, 353 - 359.

Breaker, L.C., and F.C. Friedel, 1975: Effect of seamount interference on long-range sound transmission east of Bermuda. U.S. Navy Journal of Underwater Acoustics, 25, 419-429.

Breaker, L.C., 1969: A study of the interrelations of certain environmental parameters in the Tongue-of-the-Ocean utilizing the methods of time series analysis. M.S. Thesis, The University of Miami, Coral Gables, 85 pp.

Breaker, L.C., and R.S. Winokur, 1967: The variability of bottom reflected signals using the Deep Research Vehicle ALVIN. Informal Report, IR No. 67-92, Naval Oceanographic Office, Washington, D.C., 19 pp.

Other Written Contributions

Thirty-six Technical Reports, Conference Proceedings, and Informal Manuscripts.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Meteorological Society (AMS), Member.

American Geophysical Union (AGU), Member.

Marine Technology Society (MTS), Member

AWARDS, HONORS and APPOINTMENTS

Selected and sponsored by the Navy (NAVOCEANO) to attend the University of Miami to study Ocean Engineering (1967).

Selected and sponsored by NOAA to attend the Naval Postgraduate School to study Oceanography and Meteorology (1977).

Outstanding and Commendable Performance Cash Awards from NOAA in 1977, 1980, 1982, 1992, 1997, 1999, and 2000.

Offered Chair in Remote Sensing at U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 and in 1999 (declined).

Selected to serve on the AMS Committee for Meteorology and Oceanography of the Coastal Zone (1997).

Nominated and accepted for inclusion in American Men and Women of Science (1997).

Appointed to serve on the Environmental Policy Commission for the City of Alexandria, VA (1997-1999).

Selected to serve on the Environmental Science Advisory Committee at the USDA (2/99).

Nominated to become a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (2001).

Received NOAA=s Bronze Medal for major contributions to the Coastal Marine Demonstration Project sponsored by the National Ocean Partnership Program (2000).

Recipient of a group award for Excellence in Partnering from the National Ocean Partnership Program for my role in the Coastal Marine Demonstration Project (2002).

Offered and accepted the position of Visiting Scientist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in 1986-87 and 2001-02.