Estimating Total Suspended Sediments in Tropical Open Bay Conditions using MODIS

Abstract:- Monitoring and better understanding of sediment flux and processes in coastal environments are important to maintain water quality and geomorphologic balance. This study describes the development and validation of an algorithm to estimate total suspended sediments (TSS) based on remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) and MODIS/Terra band 1 data. Three different algorithms were developed by combining two equations: (1) establishing the relationship between TSS with Rrs and (2) defining the relationship between Rrs and MODIS band 1 reflectance. A significant relationship was defined between TSS and Rrs at 645 nm (R2=0.73). All three algorithms were evaluated by applying resultant equations to two MODIS images from which in situ data was available. In the validation analysis the lower error was encountered when using an exponential equation, however linear equations estimations followed better the tendency of measured values. Additional pre-processing routines will be evaluated in order to improve validation results and produce TSS operational products