Estimation of suspended particulate matter in Gulf using MODIS data

Abstract

Mapping of suspended particulate matter can be achieved through satellite-based optical sensors and has growing applications for understanding sediment transport. A suspended particulate matter algorithm developed by Nechad (2010) for turbid conditions in the North Sea was applied in Gulf water using MODIS band 13 data centered at 667 nm. Satellite estimates of suspended particulate matter are extremely well correlated with the in-situ measurements (p = 0.97 and 1.00 for north (turbid) and south (clear) transects. Therefore, this technique can be effective for such estimation in Gulf waters as a surrogate for in-situ measurements.