Hyperspectral in-situ Attenuation Depths and Their Relation to Satellite Imagery in Two Southeastern US Estuaries

摘要

Hyperspectral in-situ attenuation measurements have been conducted within the Indian River and Palm Bay estuaries. Station data is used to help assess the light attenuation depths obtained from satellite imagery such as WorldView-3. Measurements made during 2016-2018 suggest that optimal photo synthetic light needed for submerged plant species may not be available or optimal plant growth. The attenuation data indicates that in the estuarine waters influenced by dissolved organic matter, gelbstoff, and suspended particulates and seston, only the red portion of the light spectrum reaches deeper waters. In these waters, submerged vegetation are not present but underwater videos shows the eater bottom is readily visible except during high wind and wave events that resuspend bottom boundary layer mud and muck sediments. The measurements of water attenuation is also affected by water wave facet reflectance as shown by Monte Caro model results.