A spectral optimization algorithm (SOA) has been developed for processing satellite data in marine waters. The algorithm couples an atmospheric aerosol model with a detailed water-reflectance model to simultaneously retrieve both atmospheric and ocean color parameters. A key feature separating SOA from standard algorithms is the retrieval of the absorption coefficient of colored detrital material, particulate backscattering and chlorophyll concentration in absorbing atmospheres. The same parameters can also be retrieved in Case 2 waters where higher particulate backscattering contributes to the near-infrared (NIR) water-leaving reflectance. Results of chlorophyll concentration are presented in this study using SeaWiFS data obtained for the Chesapeake Bay and Middle Atlantic Bight. Manipulations to the NIR measurements of a degree similar to the magnitude of sensor noise and calibration uncertainty show that the chlorophyll retrievals are highly sensitive to the error in the measured NIR total reflectance.

Date Published: 20 January 2005
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 5656, Active and Passive Remote Sensing of the Oceans, (20 January 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.579378

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5656:
Active and Passive Remote Sensing of the Oceans
Robert J. Frouin; Hiroshi Kawamura; Delu Pan, Editor(s)