Multi-sensor satellite time series of optical properties and chlorophyll-a concentration in the Adriatic Sea

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Abstract

Advanced remote sensing techniques and regional algorithms are combined to produce and analyze a 12-year multi-sensor time series of bio-optical properties for the Adriatic Sea. First, a multi-sensor series of normalized water-leaving radianceLWNis created with an optically-based merging technique applied to SeaWiFS and MODIS data, then distributions of inherent optical properties (IOPs) are obtained with a semi-analytical bio-optical model. Additionally, Chlais computed by two regional empirical algorithms associated with two classes of optical properties representative of open ocean waters and Adriatic coastal regions (Classes 1 and 2, respectively). The domain of applicability of each algorithm is dynamically determined on the basis of theLWNinput spectrum by a novelty detection approach. The various satellite products are validated using a comprehensive bio-optical time series collected in the northern Adriatic. At the basin level, the frequency of occurrence of Classes 1 and 2 are 61% and 10%, respectively, with Class 2 waters particularly located in the northern part and characterized by higher levels of Chlaand IOPs. The annual cycle of Chlaover the 12-year period exhibits significant variations in amplitude and phase; moreover, the annual cycle shows a reduced amplitude during a period centered on 2004 for a time interval that varies with the region. In the northern Adriatic, the overall level of Chlaappears lower between 2003 and 2008 compared to the beginning of the series.
Original languageUnknown
Pages (from-to)229-244
JournalProgress In Oceanography
Volume91
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2011

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