Spatial patterns in 4 aerial mappings of temperature and chlorophyll over Nantucket Shoals were analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques. The goal was to determine whether statistical methods could provide insight concerning phytoplankton dynamics on the Shoals. Statistical techniques included a covariance analysis of large scale trends and a spectral analysis of detrended data. Airborne remote sensors had provided the necessary synopticity in which to observe temporal variability on scales of 0.5-2 days. Maximum correlations between chlorophyll, temperature and depth occurred at nonzero lags, suggesting westward movement of water over the Shoals and a time lag in phytoplankton growth. Covariance patterns in data taken at the same time of day and phase of tide are notably similar. Power spectra of chlorophyll in 2 distinct regions of phytoplankton patches were different in shape. Horizontal variation in nutrients affecting growth rates on scales of 10-25 km could account for the differences.