Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Nearshore Water Quality

Book excerpt: This book provides details on of the utility of hyperspectral remote sensing – NASA/AVIRIS in nearshore water quality issues of NY/NJ. It demonstrates the use of bio optical modeling and retrieval techniques to derive the concentrations of important water quality parameters (chlorophyll, color dissolved organic matter and suspended sediments) in the study area. The case study focuses on the nearshore waters of NY/NJ considered as a valued ecological, economic and recreational resource within the New York metropolitan area. During field campaigns (1998-2001) measurements were made to establish hydrological optical properties of the NY/NJ nearshore waters with concurrent NASA/AVIRIS overflights. The field measurements included: 1) concurrent above and below surface spectral reflectance; 2) shipboard sampling for determination of inherent optical properties (IOP); and 3) concentrations of optically important water quality parameters. Understanding the relationship between reflectance, absorption and scattering is essential for developing the analytical algorithm necessary to use remote sensing as a monitoring /management tool in the nearshore environment.