Abstract

The asymmetrical spectral curvature algorithm for Morel case 1 waters has been characterized by application of the semianalytical radiance model of ocean color to post-Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) sensor bands. Results of the study suggest that the [L (490)/L (443)][L (490)/L (555)] asymmetrical spectral curvature algorithm has a higher pigment-retrieval sensitivity than does the [L (490)/L (443)][L (490)/L (510)] curvature algorithm that was initially identified for pigment recovery. When this [L (490)/L (443)][L (490)/L (555)] algorithm was highlighted for study, it was found to (a) exhibit pigment-retrieval sensitivity that is intermediate to the [L (443)/L (555)] and the [L (510)/L (555)] CZCS-type radiance-ratio algorithms, (b) have less sensitivity to nonabsorbing particulate backscatter (NAB) than the [L (443)/L (555)] radiance ratio, (c) display remarkable insensitivity to the absorption of dissolved organic material (DOM), and (d) possess a NAB invariance point at an algorithm value of ~ 1.8 (corresponding to a pigment concentration of ~ 0.35 mg/m³). At this invariance point the [L (490)/L (443)][L (490)/L (555)] algorithm is insensitive to a wide concentration range of coccolith-like backscatterers in addition to being insensitive to DOM. The dual DOM and NAB insensitivity of the algorithm at a specific curvature value and chlorophyllous-pigment concentration suggests that such invariance points should be further studied for possible use in (1) the validation of other chlorophyllous-pigment algorithms or model inversions and (2) the computation of other inherent optical properties.

© 1994 Optical Society of America

Chlorophyll pigment concentration using spectral curvature algorithms: an evaluation of present and proposed satellite ocean color sensor bands

Frank E. Hoge and Robert N. Swift
Appl. Opt. 25(20) 3677-3682 (1986)

Detection of phytoplankton pigments from ocean color: improved algorithms

Shubha Sathyendranath, Frank E. Hoge, Trevor Platt, and Robert N. Swift
Appl. Opt. 33(6) 1081-1089 (1994)

Band-ratio or spectral-curvature algorithms for satellite remote sensing?

Zhongping Lee and Kendall L. Carder
Appl. Opt. 39(24) 4377-4380 (2000)

Active–passive correlation spectroscopy: a new technique for identifying ocean color algorithm spectral regions

Frank E. Hoge and Robert N. Swift
Appl. Opt. 25(15) 2571-2583 (1986)

Radiance-ratio algorithm wavelengths for remote oceanic chlorophyll determination

Frank E. Hoge, C. Wayne Wright, and Robert N. Swift
Appl. Opt. 26(11) 2082-2094 (1987)