Analysis of the regional spectral properties in northwestern South China Sea based on an empirical orthogonal function

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the spectral characteristics of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) in northwestern South China Sea based on the in situ optical and water quality data for August 2 018. Rrs was initially divided into four classes, classes A to D, using the max-classification algorithm, and the spectral properties of whole Rrs were characterized using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. Subsequently, the dominant factors in each EOF mode were determined.The results indicated that more than 95% of the variances of Rrs are partly driven by the back-scattering characteristics of the suspended matter. The initial two EOF modes were well correlated with the total suspended matter and back-scattering coefficient. Furthermore, the first EOF modes of the four classes of Rrs (A-D Rrs-EOF1) significantly contributed to the total variances of each Rrs class. In addition, the correlation coefficients between the amplitude factors of class A-D Rrs-EOF1 and the variances of the relevant water quality and optical parameters were better than those of the unclassified ones. The spectral shape of class A Rrs-EOF1 was governed by the absorption characteristic of chlorophyll a and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The spectral shape of class B Rrs-EOF1 was governed by the absorption characteristic of CDOM since it exhibited a high correlation with the absorption coefficient of CDOM (ag (λ)), whereas the spectral shape of class C Rrs-EOF1 was governed by the back-scattering characteristics but not affected by the suspended matter. The spectral shape of class D Rrs-EOF1 exhibited a relatively good correlation with all the water quality parameters, which played a significant role in deciding its spectral shape.