VIIRS validation and algorithm development efforts in coastal and inland Waters

Eric Stengel and Michael Ondrusek, NOAA
Abstract:
Accurate satellite ocean color measurements in coastal and inland waters are more challenging than open-ocean measurements. Complex water and atmospheric conditions can limit the utilization of remote sensing data in coastal waters where it is most needed. The Coastal Optical Characterization Experiment (COCE) is an ongoing project at NOAA/NESDIS/STAR Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division. The primary goals of COCE are satellite ocean color validation and application development. Currently, this effort concentrates on the initialization and validation of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) VIIRS sensor using a Satlantic HyperPro II radiometer as a validation tool. A report on VIIRS performance in coastal waters will be given by presenting comparisons between in situ ground truth measurements and VIIRS retrievals made in the Chesapeake Bay, and inland waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico. The COCE application development effort focuses on developing new ocean color satellite remote sensing tools for monitoring relevant coastal ocean parameters. A new VIIRS total suspended matter algorithm will be presented for the Chesapeake Bay. These activities improve the utility of ocean color satellite data in monitoring and analyzing coastal and oceanic processes. Progress on these activities will be reported.