Measuring Marine Suspended Sediment Concentrations from Space: History and Potential

摘要

Advances in analysis of particle scattering and absorption have improved understanding of how suspended particles influence the light field and the resulting ocean color signature. These advances enable algorithms which uncouple the spectrum into spectral backscattering, detritus absorption, colored dissolved organic matter, and chlorophyll. Future algorithms will determine linkages between optical components beyond merely the suspended particulate matter (SPM) product, including the influence of particle size, shape, refraction, stratification, and composition. This paper examines historical progress in research on space-based SPM observations; evaluate the status of current algorithms and models; describe user community interest in SPM data products; and discuss strategies to promote publically-available SPM data products.