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Retrieval of vertical particle concentration profiles by optical remote sensing: a model study
Optics Express
|June 13, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a method to determine the vertical profile of optically-active constituents in water using remote-sensing reflectance. The genetic algorithm approach accurately retrieves constituent profiles when subsurface maxima are near the surface or background concentrations are low.
Area of Science:
- Ocean optics
- Water quality monitoring
- Remote sensing
Background:
- Water-leaving radiance is influenced by the depth of water constituents.
- Optical properties vary with wavelength, affecting constituent retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for retrieving non-uniform vertical profiles of optically-active constituents (CTSM(z)) from remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs).
- To assess the accuracy of the retrieval method under varying conditions.
Main Methods:
- Defining apparent particle concentration (CTSM,app) for a homogeneous water column.
- Defining vertically-weighted averaged particle concentration (CTSM,ave).
- Utilizing genetic algorithms to minimize the error between CTSM,app and CTSM,ave for CTSM(z) retrieval.
Main Results:
- The retrieval of vertical constituent profiles is highly accurate when subsurface maxima are near the surface.
- Accuracy decreases when subsurface maxima are deep or background concentrations are high.
- Signal strength limitations impact retrieval performance for superimposed subsurface maxima.
Conclusions:
- The developed method effectively retrieves vertical profiles of optically-active constituents.
- Retrieval accuracy is contingent on the position of subsurface maxima and background concentrations.
- Further research may be needed to improve performance under challenging optical conditions.
