Algorithm for improved retrievals of suspended sediments
Abstract
Recent ONR-funded research has provided evidence that suspended sediment stratification occurs in the tidal channels in the West Sea off of the southwest coast of Korea. The stratification occurs during periods of strong flow that resuspend sediment that accumulates on the floors of the channels. This process limits upward turbulent mixing of sediment to the sea surface, so it can be detected with remotely sensed measurements of the reflectance from the seasurface. Analysis of reflectance in the red and near infrared wave bands of the Landsat 8 satellite has revealed that the mean and standard deviation of reflectance is lower in tidal channels than over adjacent ridges. These results suggest an avenue for using remote sensing in two ways. First, it may be possible to use remotely sensed reflectance to map bathymetry in tidal seas, andsecond, it may be possible to use remotely sensed reflectance to indicate when and where suspended sediment stratification needs to be included in numerical models of suspended sediment and associated water clarity. We propose here to gather more in situ particle and optical data in the West Sea off of southwest Korea and in Gyeonggi Bay offshore of Incheon. Both areas show similar patterns of inverse correlation between reflectance and depth. We also propose to develop an improved algorithm for estimation of total suspended matter fromreflectance in high turbidity coastal seas. Finally, we propose to explore how modeled currents and measured reflectance can be used in tandem to identify regions affected by suspended sediment stratification.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912447
Entities
People
- Emmanuel S. Boss
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maine System