This is MATE: A Multiple scAttering correcTion rEtrieval algorithm for accurate lidar profiling of seawater optical properties

Abstract

Lidar has the capability to measure seawater vertical optical properties efficiently both day-time and night-time, though accurate retrieval is still challenging due to multiple scattering. Herein, we propose a Multiple scAttering correcTion and rEtrieval (MATE) algorithm suitable for shipborne, airborne and spaceborne lidars. The MATE algorithm provides the synchronous depth-resolved absorption, backscattering and diffuse attenuation coefficients of seawater. A good consistency was obtained between retrieved results and the in situ data with a root mean square relative difference (RSMRD) of 6.36% for diffuse attenuation coefficient, corresponding to an improvement of 2 times over methods that neglect multiple scattering. These results indicate that the MATE algorithm has valuable application potential in the quantitative evaluation of marine biological parameters.