Author
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Ritchie, Jerry |
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Submitted to: International Conference Remote Sensing for Marine and Costal Environments
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2005 Publication Date: 5/16/2005 Citation: Ritchie, J.C. 2005. Remote sensing of suspended sediments [abstract]. Abstracts of the Eight International Conference on Remote Sensing of Marine and Coastal Environments. p. 29. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Worldwide, suspended sediments are the most common pollution problem of the surface waters in inland and coastal water bodies. Remote sensing techniques have been used since the 1970s to map and quantify suspended sediments in surface waters. Optical sensors on boats, aircrafts, and satellites provide both spatial and temporal data needed to understand changes in surface suspended sediments. Early techniques were based on empirical algorithms developed from suspended sediment measurements made at the time the remote sensing data were collected. While empirical algorithms are still widely used to quantitatively determine suspended sediments, use of more physically based algorithms is expanding. This paper will discuss the development and evolution of algorithms to estimate suspended sediments. With recent and planned launches of satellites with improved spectral and spatial resolution sensors, greater application of remote sensing techniques to assess and monitor suspended sediments and other water quality parameter will be possible. These remote sensing techniques should improve our abilities to assess the landscape and provide monitoring data to follow clean-up efforts. |
