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An analysis of MODIS algorithms for surface salinity and dissolved organic carbon in northwest Florida estuaries
Citation:
Duffy, A., B. Schaeffer, R. Conmy, J. Aukamp, AND D. Yates. An analysis of MODIS algorithms for surface salinity and dissolved organic carbon in northwest Florida estuaries. Presented at ASLO 2013 Aquatic Sciences Meeting, February 17 - 23, 2013.
Impact/Purpose:
The objectives of the study being presented are (i) to validate a CDOM algorithm using an independent data set, (ii) estimate measures of surface salinity, and (iii) derive concentrations of DOC from MODIS.
Description:
Synoptic and frequent monitoring of water quality parameters from satellite is useful for determining the health of aquatic ecosystems and development of effective management strategies. Northwest Florida estuaries are classified as optically-complex, or waters influenced by chlorophyll-a, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), suspended solids, and bottom reflectance. Traditional Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite water quality algorithms do not transfer to these optically-complex water bodies. However, a band-ratio algorithm for the estimation of CDOM in northwest Florida estuaries was found suitable (R2 =0.56; p-value <0.0001) for measuring absorption in estuarine waters. Derived CDOM absorption values can be used as a proxy to estimate water quality parameters that cannot be measured directly by satellite, such as surface salinity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to validate the CDOM algorithm using an independent data set, (ii) estimate measures of surface salinity, and (iii) derive concentrations of DOC from MODIS.