Monitoring salt crusts on an AMD contaminated coastal wetland using hyperspectral Hyperion data (Estuary of the River Odiel, SW Spain)

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to establish preliminary spectral trends focused on the development of salt crusts in the marsh located at the mouth of the River Odiel (SW Spain) based on maps from archive Hyperion data. Temporal monitoring of salt efflorescence on the marshes at the mouth of the contaminated river is carried out using hyperspectral space imagery. Climate variability relationships are made based on well-known spectral features related to vegetation and shallow water, using both archive spectral libraries and field local spectra. The observations point to spectral and geomorphological indicators related to salt crust development that can be monitored through image processing supported by field and laboratory spectral data, on a repeatable basis. Future mapping of a larger sequence of images under different climate regimes and wider tidal ranges would improve the estimation of spectral features and thus ensure routine monitoring of salt crusts with hyperspectral data. The study of acid and salt environments, which limit biota development, could be improved by monitoring that employs hyperspectral remote sensing as a useful tool.