Suspended Sediment Concentration Levels Research Articles

Using a Down‐Looking Multifrequency ABS for Measuring Suspended Sediments in Rivers

AbstractIn the last decade, much progress has been made in continuously measuring suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in rivers using horizontal side‐looking Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers. However, these techniques do not provide information on the spatial variability of the suspension. In this study, we explore some new possibilities offered by the down‐looking deployment of a multifrequency acoustic backscatter system (ABS) in order to obtain information on the suspension throughout an entire river cross section. Two sites, with low and high levels of SSC, were investigated. The acoustic signal was processed using multifrequency inversion methods. Both water sample calibration data and modeling were used for retrieving the acoustic properties of the suspended particles. At the low SSC site ( 30 mg/L), we successfully inverted the acoustic signal, except in some areas of high acoustic backscatter close to the surface that were probably generated by air microbubbles. At the high SSC site ( 10 g/L), estimates of both fine and sand SSCs throughout the river cross section were successfully obtained, except in some areas close to the bottom where the acoustic signal was totally attenuated due to distance and high concentration of fine sediments. This work confirms the capacity of hydroacoustic technology for providing spatial information on river suspensions.

Probabilistic hazard assessment of contaminated sediment in rivers

We propose a probabilistic framework rooted in multivariate and copula theory to assess heavy metal hazard associated with contaminated sediment in freshwater rivers that provide crucial ecosystem services such as municipal water source, eco-tourism, and agricultural irrigation. Exploiting the dependence structure between suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and different heavy metals, we estimate the hazard probability associated with each heavy metal at different SSC levels. We derive these relationships for warm (spring-summer) and cold (fall-winter) seasons, as well as stormflow condition, to unpack their nonlinear associations under different environmental conditions. To demonstrate its efficacy, we apply our proposed generic framework to Fountain Creek, CO, and show heavy metal concentration in warm season and under stormflow condition bears a higher hazard likelihood compared to the cold season. Under both warm season and stormflow conditions, probability of exceeding maximum allowable threshold for all studied heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb, in recoverable form) at a standard hardness of 100 mg/lCaCo3 and at a high level of SSC (95th percentile) is consistently more than 80% in our study site. Moreover, a longitudinal study along the Fountain Creek demonstrates that urban and agricultural land use considerably increase likelihoods of violating water quality standards compared to natural land cover. The novelty of this study lies in introducing a probabilistic hazard assessment framework that enables robust risk assessment with important policy implications about the likelihood of different heavy metals violating water quality standards under various SSC levels.

Hydro- and sediment dynamics in the Gironde estuary (France): Sensitivity to seasonal variations in river inflow and sea level rise

Understanding estuarine hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics is of key importance to provide the foundation for sound management of these coastal systems. Turbidity maxima, which are zones of elevated suspended sediment concentration (SSC), are of particular interest as they control biogeochemical cycling and affect the overall environmental quality of the estuary. These turbidity maxima, however, are complex dynamic features that respond to changes in forcing conditions. In this study we use a 3D numerical model to investigate the response of hydrosedimentary dynamics to variations in river inflow and sea level rise in the Gironde estuary, which is one of the largest estuarine systems in Europe. Yearly simulations and comparisons with satellite data and measurements of salinity and SSC show that the model reproduces variations in salinity intrusion and the migration of the turbidity maximum driven by seasonal fluctuations in river inflow. Numerical experiments indicate that the formation of this dynamic turbidity maximum is mainly driven by tidal asymmetry. Density gradients play a secondary role by maintaining the stability of the suspended sediment mass. The model also simulates the presence of a secondary turbidity maximum which is more stable, consistent with observations. Evaluation of the sediment budget shows that sediment export mainly occurs during spring tides and when river discharge is high. Simulations including sea level rise suggest that salinity levels in the middle estuary will increase and rising water levels cause tidal amplification, strengthening of tidal currents and enhanced SSC levels in the upper estuary. On the other hand, the locations of the salinity front and the turbidity maximum remain relatively stable under rising water levels. Overall, our simulations suggest that decadal changes in river inflow can potentially have a larger effect on turbidity maximum dynamics than sea level rise.

Impact of mussel bioengineering on fine-grained sediment dynamics in a coastal lagoon: A numerical modelling investigation

Abstract Rodsand lagoon in southeast Denmark is a non-tidal coastal lagoon. It is home to a wide range of marine flora and fauna and part of the Natura 2000 network. An increase in turbidity through elevated levels of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) within the lagoon may affect the ecosystem health due to reduced light penetration. Increasing SSC levels within Rodsand lagoon could be caused by increasing storm intensity or by a sediment spill from dredging activities west of the lagoon in relation to the planned construction of the Fehmarnbelt fixed link between Denmark and Germany. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of a mussel reef on sediment import and SSC in a semi-enclosed lagoon through the development of a bioengineering modelling application that makes it possible to include the filtrating effect of mussels in a numerical model of the lagoonal system. The numerical implementation of an exterior mussel reef generated a reduction in the SSC in the vicinity of the reef, through the adjacent inlet and in the western part of the lagoon. The mussel reef reduced the sediment import to Rodsand lagoon by 13–22% and reduced the SSC within Rodsand lagoon by 5–9% depending on the filtration rate and the reef length. The results suggest that the implementation of a mussel reef has the potential to relieve the pressure of increasing turbidity levels within a semi-enclosed lagoonal system. However, further assessment and development of the bioengineering application and resulting ecosystem impacts are necessary prior to actual implementation.

Water Quality Seasonal Variability (2000 to 2015) in Yangtze River Estuary and Its Adjacent Coastal Area

Three separate algorithms: 1) Modified NIR-SWIR atmospheric correction, 2) Suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and 3) Diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm, Kd (490) were developed and used for mapping SSC and Kd (490) for the East China natural waters. A geographic area located between 27-35°N and 119-125°N was selected to analyze wet (flood) and dry seasons from 2000 to 2015. Remote sensing acquisition has been realized using the MODIS/Terra and MODIS/Aqua satellite sensors. Results showed large differences between these seasons in terms of spatial pattern of SSC and Kd (490) levels: SSC and Kd (490) values were higher during the dry season than during the flood season in the most part of area for most of the area. The area with high SSC>80 gm-3 [or, correspondingly, Kd (490)>2.3 m-1] within the Subei Bank of the Yellow Sea and the Zhejiang coastal area was estimated to be almost twice as large during the dry season when compared to the wet season. Results also revealed an impact of the Three Gorges Dam power station on the water quality in the Yangtze River Estuary.

Suspended sediment transport response to upstream wash-load supply in the sand-bed reach of the Upper Yellow River, China

Summary Wash load is a major component of suspended sediment transport in the sand-bed reach of the Upper Yellow River, China. This wash load sediment originates from the Loess region, with the high runoff mainly originating from the rock mountains of its upstream basin. These characteristics result in a mismatch between water and sediment sources and a low probability of high runoffs meeting high suspended sediment concentration (SSC) flows. As a result, higher runoff with lower SSC levels (HR-LS) and lower runoff with higher SSC values (HS) occur, whose SSCs do not follow the typical power form for flow discharges, C i = αQ β , where C i and Q are SSC and flow discharge, respectively. Here, we modify the traditional power form with an upstream wash-load supply function C 1− β to satisfy the relation between the water and wash load sediment concentrations in water–sediment mismatched cases, C i = αQ β C 1− β , where C is an input flow’s SSC. Using the daily flow discharges and SSCs of nine typical HR-LS flows and 18 HS flows in our study reach from 1960 to 2012, we find that β changes in response to input flow conditions and downstream transport distances. When the downstream transport distance is between 360 and 663.5 km, β varies between 0.3 and 0.6 in a HS input flow condition, while in the HR-LS input flow case, β tends to be greater than 0.6 (between 0.74 and 0.65). The entrainment rate of an HR-LS flow and the deposition rate of an HS flow appear to be asymmetrically balanced, establishing a primary mechanism for channel aggradation and upward fining of floodplains in our study reach.

A 2-D process-based model for suspended sediment dynamics: a first step towards ecological modeling

Abstract. In estuaries suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most important contributors to turbidity, which influences habitat conditions and ecological functions of the system. Sediment dynamics differs depending on sediment supply and hydrodynamic forcing conditions that vary over space and over time. A robust sediment transport model is a first step in developing a chain of models enabling simulations of contaminants, phytoplankton and habitat conditions. This works aims to determine turbidity levels in the complex-geometry delta of the San Francisco estuary using a process-based approach (Delft3D Flexible Mesh software). Our approach includes a detailed calibration against measured SSC levels, a sensitivity analysis on model parameters and the determination of a yearly sediment budget as well as an assessment of model results in terms of turbidity levels for a single year, water year (WY) 2011. Model results show that our process-based approach is a valuable tool in assessing sediment dynamics and their related ecological parameters over a range of spatial and temporal scales. The model may act as the base model for a chain of ecological models assessing the impact of climate change and management scenarios. Here we present a modeling approach that, with limited data, produces reliable predictions and can be useful for estuaries without a large amount of processes data.

An optimal model for estimating suspended sediment concentration from Landsat TM images in the Caofeidian coastal waters

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most critical parameters in water quality and environmental evaluations. Remote sensing has the potential for monitoring the dynamics and spatial distribution of SSC efficiently. The primary objective of this study is to develop retrieval models that are reliable and sensitive to SSC levels in the Caofeidian area, a new seaport in northeast China, based on Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) images and a set of in situ data sets, including spectral reflectance data and water quality data. The study finds that the band reflectance ratio and binary combination factor (i.e. the ratio of the reflectance to the particle size) are more effective than single band reflectance, and a non-linear model is more potent than a linear model for predicting SSC in the Caofeidian waters. A quadratic polynomial regression model of the RTM3/RTM2 ratio is proposed as the optimal retrieval model after evaluating various models with respect to different sensitive factors. The accuracy of the model is acceptable with a relative error and a root mean square error of 25.35% and 7.22 mg l–1, respectively; the correlation coefficient between the observed and estimated SSCs is 0.986. This study also indicates that the band reflectance ratio and binary combination factor are effective in weakening and even partially eliminating the effects of the changes in the sediment type (i.e. particle size and refractive index). And the band reflectance ratio is more efficient. Using the proposed model and TM data, SSC levels for the entire region were estimated. Such results can serve as a baseline for future environmental monitoring efforts.

A Semi-Analytical Model for Remote Sensing Retrieval of Suspended Sediment Concentration in the Gulf of Bohai, China

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most critical parameters in ocean ecological environment evaluation and it can be determined using ocean color remote sensing (RS). The purpose of this study is to develop a model that provides a reliable and sensitive evaluation of SSC retrieval using RS data. Data were acquired for and gathered from the Gulf of Bohai where SSC levels are relatively low with an average value below 30 mg·L−1. The study indicates that the most sensitive band to SSC levels in the study area is the NIR band of Landsat5 TM images. A quadratic polynomial semi-analytical model appears to be the best retrieval model based on the relationship between the inherent optical properties (IOPs) and apparent optical properties (AOPs) of water as described by the quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA). The model has a higher precision and effectiveness for SSC retrieval than data-driven statistical models, especially when SSC level is relatively high. The average relative error and the root mean square error (RMSE) are 12.32% and 4.53 mg·L−1, respectively, while the correlation coefficient between observed and estimated SSC by the model is 0.95. Using the proposed retrieval model and TM data, SSC levels of the entire study region in the Gulf of Bohai were estimated. These estimates can serve as the baseline for efficient monitoring of the ocean environment in the future.

The impact of channel deepening and dredging on estuarine sediment concentration

Many estuaries worldwide are becoming more urbanised with heavier traffic in the waterways, requiring continuous channel deepening and larger ports, and increasing suspended sediment concentration (SSC). An example of a heavily impacted estuary where SSC levels are rising is the Ems Estuary, located between the Netherlands and Germany. In order to provide larger and larger ships access to three ports and a shipyard, the tidal channels in the Ems Estuary have been substantially deepened by dredging over the past decades. This has led to tidal amplification and hyper concentrated sediment conditions in the upstream tidal river. In the middle and outer reaches of the Ems Estuary, the tidal amplification is limited, and mechanisms responsible for increasing SSC are poorly understood. Most likely, channel and port deepening lead to larger SSC levels because of resulting enhanced siltation rates and therefore an increase in maintenance dredging. Additionally, channel deepening may increase up-estuary suspended sediment transport due to enhanced salinity-induced estuarine circulation.The effect of channel deepening and port construction on SSC levels is investigated using a numerical model of suspended sediment transport forced by tides, waves and salinity. The model satisfactorily reproduces observed water levels, velocity, sediment concentration and port deposition in the estuary, and therefore is subsequently applied to test the impact of channel deepening, historical dredging strategy and port construction on SSCs in the Estuary. These model scenarios suggest that: (1) channel deepening appears to be a main factor for enhancing the transport of sediments up-estuary, due to increased salinity-driven estuarine circulation; (2) sediment extraction strategies from the ports have a large impact on estuarine SSC; and (3) maintenance dredging and disposal influences the spatial distribution of SSC but has a limited effect on average SSC levels.

Processes governing decadal-scale depositional narrowing of the major tidal channel in San Pablo Bay, California, USA

Bathymetric measurements show that a deep, subtidal channel in San Pablo Bay, California, has consistently narrowed during the past 150 years. This raises general questions on the seasonal and intertidal morphodynamic processes acting at the subtidal channel-shoal interface. The current work addresses these questions using a process-based morphodynamic model (Delft3D). Model results reveal considerable morphodynamic activity during a tidal cycle. Deposition on the channel margin is largest during flooding of the shoals. Erosion rates (mainly occuring during ebb) remain relatively small, so that net accretion occurs on much of the channel margin. A remarkable finding is that locally generated wind waves are responsible for shoal extension and depositional channel narrowing. High suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the channel is a critical factor. Apart from sediment supply during high river flow, wind waves suspending sediment on the shoals cause high SSC levels in the channel at ebb. Sensitivity analysis shows that wind direction even determines the location of channel margin accretion. Fluvial sediment supply is another cause of high SSC in the channel. Density currents, 3-D circulation flows, sea level rise, or varied sediment characteristics only have a limited effect on the erosion and sedimentation patterns. A 30 year forecast shows that deeper shoals and decreasing fluvial sediment supply lower SSC levels in the channel, limit channel margin accretion, and even lead to net channel margin erosion in some areas. Channel shape thus remains subject to dynamic processes related to local variations in sediment supply, albeit to a more limited extent than in earlier decades.

Water Quality Characteristics of Discharge from Reforested Loose‐Dumped Mine Spoil in Eastern Kentucky

Surface mining is a common method for extracting coal in the coal fields of eastern Kentucky. Using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA), which emphasizes the use of minimally compacted or loose-dumped spoil as a growth medium for trees, reclamation practitioners are successfully reestablishing forests. Yet, questions remain regarding the effects FRA has on the quality of waters discharged to receiving streams. To examine the effect of FRA on water quality, this study compared waters that were discharged from three types of spoils: predominantly brown, weathered sandstone (BROWN); predominantly gray, unweathered sandstone (GRAY); and an equal mixture of both aforementioned sandstones and shale (MIXED). The water quality parameters pH, EC, Ca, K, Mg, Na, NO-N, NH-N, SO, Cl, TC, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), settleable solids (SS), and turbidity were monitored over a 2-yr period on six 0.4-ha plots (two replications per spoil type). Generally, levels of Cl, SO, Ca, NO-N, NH-N, SS, SSC, and turbidity decreased over time. The pH for all spoils increased from about 7.5 to 8.5. The EC remained relatively level in the BROWN spoil, whereas the GRAY and MIXED spoils had downward trajectories that were approaching 500 μS cm. The value of 500 μS cm has been reported as the apparent threshold at which certain taxa such as Ephemeroptera (e.g., Mayfly) recolonize disturbed headwater streams of eastern Kentucky and adjacent coal-producing Appalachian states.

Satellite Estimates of Wide-Range Suspended Sediment Concentrations in Changjiang (Yangtze) Estuary Using MERIS Data

The Changjiang (Yangtze) estuarine and coastal waters are characterized by suspended sediments over a wide range of concentrations from 20 to 2,500 mg l−1. Suspended sediment plays important roles in the estuarine and coastal system and environment. Previous algorithms for satellite estimates of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) showed a great limitation in that only low to moderate concentrations (up to 50 mg l−1) could be reliably estimated. In this study, we developed a semi-empirical radiative transfer (SERT) model with physically based empirical coefficients to estimate SSC from MERIS data over turbid waters with a much wider range of SSC. The model was based on the Kubelka–Munk two-stream approximation of radiative transfer theory and calibrated using datasets from in situ measurements and outdoor controlled tank experiments. The results show that the sensitivity and saturation level of remote-sensing reflectance to SSC are dependent on wavelengths and SSC levels. Therefore, the SERT model, coupled with a multi-conditional algorithm scheme adapted to satellite retrieval of wide-range SSC, was proposed. Results suggest that this method is more effective and accurate in the estimation of SSC over turbid waters.

Estuarine mud flocculation properties determined using an annular mini-flume and the LabSFLOC system

Most entrained estuarine sediment mass occurs as flocs. Parameterising flocculation has proven difficult as it is a dynamically active process dependent on a set of complex interactions between the sediment, fluid and the flow. However the natural variability in an estuary makes it difficult to study the factors that influence the behaviour of flocculation in a systematic manner. This paper presents preliminary results from a laboratory study that examined how floc properties of a natural estuarine mud from the Medway (UK), evolved in response to varying levels of suspended sediment concentration and induced turbulent shearing. The experiments utilised the LabSFLOC floc video camera system, in combination with an annular mini-flume to shear the suspended sediment slurries. The flows created in the mini-flume produced average shear stresses, at the floc sampling height, ranging from 0.01 N m −2 to a peak of 1.03 N m −2. Nominal suspended particulate matter concentrations of 100, 600 and 2000 mg l −1 were introduced into the flume. The experimental runs produced individual flocs ranging in size from microflocs of 22.2 μm to macroflocs 583.7 μm in diameter. Average settling velocities ranged from 0.01 to 26.1 mm s −1, whilst floc effective densities varied from 3.5 up to 2000 kg m −3. Low concentration and low shear stress were seen to produce an even distribution of floc mass between the macrofloc (>160 μm) and microfloc (<160 μm) fractions. As both concentration and stress rose, the proportion of macrofloc mass increased, until they represented over 80% of the suspended matter. A maximum average macrofloc settling velocity of 3.3 mm s −1 was attained at a shear stress of 0.45 N m −2. Peak turbulence conditions resulted in deflocculation, limiting the macrofloc fall velocity to only 1.1 mm s −1 and placing over 60% of the mass in the microfloc size range. A statistical analysis of the data suggests that the combined influence of both suspended concentration and turbulent shear controls the settling velocity of the fragile, low density macroflocs.

Sediment resuspension events within the (microtidal) coastal waters of Thermaikos Gulf, northern Greece

High-frequency flow, pressure and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) measurements are presented from the Paralia-Katerinis coastal area, in Thermaikos Gulf. The data were collected along a cross-shore transect, between the 6 and 12 m water depth contours. The relative importance of wave- and tidally-induced resuspension is examined. Resuspension events are shown to be dominated by wind-generated waves, especially under storm conditions. Some evidence is provided for tidal resuspension, but the overall impact of this process is minimal, compared to wave resuspension. Such resuspension, under storm conditions, increased the SSC levels in the waters of the nearshore zone to ∼35 mg/l; this is a >15-fold increase over the ambient levels (1–2 mg/l) of turbidity.

Tidally-induced clouds of suspended sediment connected to shallow-water coral reefs

The Bay of Banten, West Java, Indonesia represents a shallow coastal embayment harboring coral reefs subject to extremely turbid conditions. The sedimentary regime and flow structure of two contrasting coral reef islands in the embayment were investigated to identify the mechanisms responsible for mean and peak levels of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) around the reefs. Arrays of in situ calibrated optical backscatter (OBS) sensors were deployed across the reef slopes. Far field conditions were simultaneously monitored using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and a conductivity temperature and depth (CTD) probe, equipped with an OBS sensor. In addition, hydrographic surveys were conducted using the ADCP attached to a small fishing boat, navigating transects perpendicular to the reef islands. The direct influence of river plumes was found to be insignificant. Waves act only in the uppermost few meters of the reef slopes, where coral growth is most abundant and little sediment is available for resuspension. Tidal currents are the primary cause of high turbidity, which was inferred from peaks in the diurnal and semidiurnal frequency bands of SSC spectra, and the large depths where the turbidity variation sometimes initiates. The entrained sediment disperses upward across the reef slopes, which is likely due to a secondary current associated with bending of the flow along the curved, hydraulically rough reef slopes, in weakly stratified ambient waters. Changes in sediment availability, variable critical shear stresses for erosion and deposition, and the formation and evanescence of island wakes may explain the high variability of SSC at the reef slopes.

Discussion

In the present work, the potential of correlation methods applied to acoustic signals backscattered from suspended sediments, is examined with regard to the measurement of near-bed vertical profiles of the horizontal current velocity. The technique uses the cross-correlation of the backscattered signal between pairs of downward looking horizontally separated transducers, to measure the time taken for suspension structures to advect from one transducer to another. This approach requires a degree of spatial coherence in the suspension field, and advantage is taken of this coherence to measure the flow. To investigate the technique, backscattered data collected using an array of transducers has been examined. The array was deployed along stream in an estuarine environment, which was subject to strong rectilinear currents, and high levels of suspended sediment concentration. Using pairs of transducers with separations between 0.25–5.42 m, the structure of the suspension field has been assessed, the implication of these observations for measuring flow discussed, and nearbed measurements of current profiles obtained. The results show that in the estuarine environment investigated, if the transducer pair separation was of the order of a metre or less, and currents were sufficient to retain sediments in suspension, vertical profiles of the horizontal current could be measured. To assess the results conventional electromagnetic and impeller current meter measurements were collected at four heights above the bed. Comparison of the conventional reference measurements with the cross-correlation velocities show that the correlation method has the potential to provide reliable measurements of near-bed current profiles.

Estimation of suspended sediment concentration in water using integrated surface reflectance

The reflectance spectra of suspended sediments derived from a silty soil were analyzed in an effort to measure suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in surface waters. Twenty levels of SSC (50 to 1000 mg/l) were created in a large tank filled with 7510 liters of clear water. Reflectance measurements were made using a high resolution spectroradiometer. The spectroradiometer data were integrated into the band widths of Landsat‐TM. The simulated TM bands were then used to develop regression models for estimating SSC. We found that the spectroradiometer data, integrated into the band width of Landsat‐TM 4, when used in second‐order regression models, is the best estimator of SSC.

Investigation into the application of cross-correlation analysis on acoustic backscattered signals from suspended sediments to measure nearbed current profiles

In the present work, the potential of correlation methods applied to acoustic signals backscattered from suspended sediments, is examined with regard to the measurement of near-bed vertical profiles of the horizontal current velocity. The technique uses the cross-correlation of the backscattered signal between pairs of downward looking horizontally separated transducers, to measure the time taken for suspension structures to advect from one transducer to another. This approach requires a degree of spatial coherence in the suspension field, and advantage is taken of this coherence to measure the flow. To investigate the technique, backscattered data collected using an array of transducers has been examined. The array was deployed along stream in an estuarine environment, which was subject to strong rectilinear currents, and high levels of suspended sediment concentration. Using pairs of transducers with separations between 0.25–5.42 m, the structure of the suspension field has been assessed, the implication of these observations for measuring flow discussed, and nearbed measurements of current profiles obtained. The results show that in the estuarine environment investigated, if the transducer pair separation was of the order of a metre or less, and currents were sufficient to retain sediments in suspension, vertical profiles of the horizontal current could be measured. To assess the results conventional electromagnetic and impeller current meter measurements were collected at four heights above the bed. Comparison of the conventional reference measurements with the cross-correlation velocities show that the correlation method has the potential to provide reliable measurements of near-bed current profiles.

The form of the relationship between suspended sediment concentration and spectral reflectance: its implications for the use of Daedalus 1268 data

Abstract A laboratory study was used to determine the form of the relationship between the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and the spectral reflectance (Rλ). It was hypothesized that when the SSC was high the relationship would be log-linear at short, visible wavelengths (where only a small portion of the radiation would be absorbed by water and the reflectance asymptote would be reached at low levels of SSC) and linear at long, near-infrared wavelengths (where a large portion of the radiation would be absorbed by water and the reflectance asymptote would be reached at high levels of SSC). The data comprised spectral reflectance recorded in 875 wavebands from 350 to 2500 nm for eighteen sediment type/grain size samples, each at up to thirty SSC concentrations over a range of 0 to 1300 mg I−1. The strong relationship between SSC and Rλ was, as hypothesized, log-linear for wavelengths from 450 to 700 nm and linear from 700 to 1050 nm. The applicability of this information was illustrated in relation ...