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Evaluation of specific semi-empirical coastal colour algorithms using historic data sets

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Abstract

In this study, historic data from airborne campaigns more or less coincident with in situ sampling points in four different coastal areas were used to test the validity and robustness of semi-empirical coastal colour algorithms developed during a separate Dutch coastal water research program. Three different remote sensing devices were used for this exercise which could all simulate the spectral bands from either the satellite borne SeaWiFS or MERIS sensor. An inter-comparison is made between the results after applying SeaWiFS and MERIS ratio or multiple regression algorithms for total suspended matter and chlorophyll-a concentrations. For total suspended matter the SeaWiFS ratio algorithm generated the most consistent and reproducible results and gave good estimates within the measured range. The ratio and multiple regression algorithms for chlorophyll resulted in uncertainties; in particular the MERIS algorithms gave poor coherence. Although no specific algorithm was found that uniformly generates good estimates compared to the in situ data, one key observation of the study has been the unreliability of single point measurements of water quality parameters from a ship to validate a spatially detailed or track data set. This problem is particularly apparent in the dynamically active and spatially varied coastal zone where rapid changes in particulate and dissolved matter can occur within small time scales. Within this study no thorough validation could be made due to the limited number of quasi-simultaneously collected ship and airborne data. The setup of a dedicated validation experiment to test the validity of coastal colour algorithms is emphasized. The viable way forward is in long term measurements of parameters from buoys or repeat transects.

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Wernand, M., Shimwell, S., Boxall, S. et al. Evaluation of specific semi-empirical coastal colour algorithms using historic data sets. Aquatic Ecology 32, 73–91 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009946501534

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