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Published on: September 7, 2019
Ensemble uncertainty of inherent optical properties
Mhd Suhyb Salama1, Frederic Mélin, Rogier Van der Velde
1Department of Water Resources, ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. salama@itc.nl
We developed a new method to assess ocean color model accuracy and inherent optical property (IOP) parameterizations. This approach quantizes the collective uncertainty in derived IOPs, aiding in model reliability assessments.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Remote Sensing
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Ocean color models are crucial for understanding marine ecosystems.
- Accurate inherent optical properties (IOPs) are essential for reliable ocean color data.
- Evaluating the combined accuracy of models and IOP parameterizations is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for evaluating the combined accuracy of ocean color models and IOP parameterizations.
- To estimate the ensemble uncertainty of derived IOPs relative to radiometric error.
- To establish a benchmark for optimal accuracy in IOP derivation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a method to estimate ensemble uncertainty of derived IOPs without inversion.
- Validated the method using synthetic, in-situ, and ocean color matchup data.
- Applied the method to assess temporal trends in ensemble uncertainty for global ocean color products.
Main Results:
- The method showed high accuracy (>0.95 R^2) with synthetic data, decreasing with real-world data (0.45-0.5 R^2).
- Identified areas with increasing ensemble uncertainty trends in global ocean color data (1997-2007).
- Quantified uncertainty increases in absorption and backscattering coefficients at 440 nm.
Conclusions:
- The developed method effectively assesses the reliability of ocean color model-IOP parameterization setups.
- It aids in identifying regions and conditions where model-parametrization setups require reconsideration.
- Provides a tool for improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of ocean color products.
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