Use of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Reflectance in Extracting the Spectral Volume Absorption Coefficient for Phytoplankton in Coastal Water: Remote Sensing Relationships for the Inherent Optical Properties of Coastal Water

Abstract

Abstract We use Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs) measurements from Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to produce maps of the absorption coefficient, aph(λ), by phytoplankton in Great Bay, New Jersey. First, the near-infrared data are used to determine the total scattering coefficient b(λ) for λ > 730 nm at all points of the image. Then, the infrared b(λ) is extended smoothly to the visible region of the spectrum and is in turn used to determine ad(λ) and ay(λ), the respective volume absorption coefficient by detritus and colored dissolved organic material (CDOM). The determination of b(λ), ad(λ), and ay(λ) allows us to simulate what Rrs(λ) should be in the absence of phytoplankton. Subsequently, the simulated Rrs(λ) without phytoplankton is compared with the measured Rrs(λ) to “black out” the spectrum of aph(λ) at any point of the image. By applying this procedure in the form of remote sensing algorithms, we can map out the distribution of aph(λ) at any given wavelength over the optic...