Ocean Color Inferred from Radiometers on Low-Flying Aircraft

Area of Science:

• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Remote Sensing Technology
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Satellite-based ocean color measurements offer global insights but lack spatial resolution.
• Aircraft-based measurements can achieve higher spatial resolution and penetrate cloud cover.
• Atmospheric and sea-surface effects complicate accurate ocean color data acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present algorithms for correcting atmospheric and sea-surface effects in aircraft-based ocean color measurements.
• To enable higher spatial resolution oceanographic studies using airborne remote sensing.
• To discuss the accuracy and potential errors associated with these correction methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of novel algorithms to correct for cloud and sea-surface interference.
• Application of these algorithms to aircraft-based visible radiometer data.
• Analysis and discussion of the errors inherent in the correction procedures.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of algorithms capable of correcting for cloud and sea-surface effects in airborne ocean color data.
• Presentation of an example case study validating the correction methods.
• Identification and discussion of error sources impacting data accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Aircraft-based ocean color remote sensing, with appropriate corrections, is a viable method for high-resolution oceanographic research.
• The developed algorithms effectively mitigate cloud and sea-surface interferences.
• Further refinement of correction techniques is necessary to minimize residual errors and enhance data reliability.