Space Variability of Ocean Color Index and its Connection with Biological and Dynamic Factors

摘要

This paper discusses the results of two decades on in situ measurements of the ocean color index, which is defined as the ratio of two upward light radiances measured at nadir at both 540 and 420 nm. An optical classification of ocean waters based on the color index is proposed. This classification is compared to other optical water classifications. The color index distributions for specific regions of interest were compiled and compared with the water dynamics. The ranges of the color index variability were also estimated for these ocean regions. It was shown that the color index regressions can be successfully used for the interpretation of spaceborne and airborne optical remote information.