Landsat Image-Based Retrieval and Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variation of Total Suspended Solid Concentration in Jiaozhou Bay, China

Abstract

The total suspended solid (TSS) concentration (mg/L) is an important parameter of water quality in coastal waters. It is of great significance to monitor the spatiotemporal distribution and variation of TSS as well as its influencing factors. In this study, a quantitative retrieval model of TSS in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) was established based on Landsat images from 1984 to 2020 (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.77, root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.82 mg/L). In this paper, first, the long-term spatiotemporal variation of TSSs in JZB is revealed and, next, its influencing factors are further analyzed. The results show that the annual average TSSs in JZB reached their highest level in 1993 and their lowest level in 2016, showing a decreasing trend during the past decades. The TSSs were high in spring and winter and low in summer and autumn. The spatial distribution of the TSSs in JZB was similar at different timepoints, i.e., high in the northwest and gradually decreasing to the southeast. Tidal elevation exerted a significant influence on the daily variation of TSSs, and wind speed had a significant influence on the seasonal variation of TSSs. The Dagu River’s discharge only affected the TSSs at the river mouth. Tidal elevation, river discharge, and wind speed were major influence factors for TSSs’ variation in JZB. The results showed that the empirical model based on Landsat satellite data could be used to effectively monitor the long-term variation of TSSs in JZB.