Remote Sensing of Optically Complex Waters - The Multivariate Approach

Kurzfassung

Optically complex waters, often referred to as case-2 waters, are characterised by the fact that several optically active constituents are present in the water body where the individual concentrations may vary independently of each other. In addition the specific optical properties may vary by region or season due to changing species composition of phytoplankton or the origin of suspended sediment. Thus, case-2 waters are a challenge for ocean colour remote sensing, demanding for higher spectral resolution measurements and multivariate inversion techniques. The paper will review the basis and requirements under these conditions and discuss possible solutions and limitations. Practical results using MOS-IRS and MERIS data are presented.