Cloud filling of ocean colour and sea surface temperature remote sensing products over the Southern North Sea by the Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions methodology

Optical remote sensing data is now being used systematically for marine ecosystem applications, such as the forcing of biological models and the operational detection of harmful algae blooms. However, applications are hampered by the incompleteness of imagery and by some quality problems. The Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions methodology (DINEOF) allows calculation of missing data in geophysical datasets without requiring a priori knowledge about statistics of the full dataset and has previously been applied to SST reconstructions. This study demonstrates the reconstruction of complete space–time information for 4 years of surface chlorophyll a (CHL), total suspended matter (TSM) and sea surface temperature (SST) over the Southern North Sea (SNS) and English Channel (EC). Optimal reconstructions were obtained when synthesising the original signal into 8 modes for MERIS CHL and into 18 modes for MERIS TSM. Despite the very high proportion of missing data (70%), the variability of original signals explained by the EOF synthesis reached 93.5% for CHL and 97.2% for TSM. For the MODIS TSM dataset, 97.5% of the original variability of the signal was synthesised into 14 modes. The MODIS SST dataset could be synthesised into 13 modes explaining 98% of the input signal variability. Validation of the method is achieved for 3 dates below 2 artificial clouds, by comparing reconstructed data with excluded input information. Complete weekly and monthly averaged climatologies, suitable for use with ecosystem models, were derived from regular daily reconstructions. Error maps associated with every reconstruction were produced according to Beckers et al. (2006). Embedded in this error calculation scheme, a methodology was implemented to produce maps of outliers, allowing identification of unusual or suspicious data points compared to the global dynamics of the dataset. Various algorithm artefacts were associated with high values in the outlier maps (undetected cloud edges, haze areas, contrails, and cloud shadows). With the production of outlier maps, the data reconstruction technique becomes also a very efficient tool for quality control of optical remote sensing data and for change detection within large databases.     

基于光学遥感MODIS的安达曼海内波时空分布与传播特性研究

This paper describes investigations of the internal waves in the Andaman Sea using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS) imagery over the period of June 2010 to May 2016. Results of the spatial and temporal distribution, generation sources and propagation characteristics of internal waves are presented. The statistical analysis shows that internal waves can be observed in almost the entire area of the Andaman Sea. Most internal waves are observed in the northern, central and southern regions of the Andaman Sea. A significant number of internal waves between 7°N and 9°N in the East Indian Ocean are also observed. Internal waves can be observed year-round in the Andaman Sea, while most of internal waves are observed between February and April, with a maximum frequency of 15.03% in March. The seasonal distribution of the internal waves shows that the internal waves have mostly been observed in the dry season(February to April), and fewer internal waves are observed in the rainy season(May to October). The double peak distribution for the occurrence frequency of internal waves is found. With respect to the lunar influence, more internal waves are observed after the spring tide, which implies the spring tide may play an important role in internal wave generation in the Andaman Sea. Generation sources of internal waves are explored based on the propagation characteristics of internal waves. The results indicate that six sources are located between the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, and one is located in the northern Andaman Sea. Four regions with active internal wave phenomenon in the Andaman Sea were presented during the MODIS survey, and the propagation speed of internal waves calculated based on the semidiurnal generation period is smaller than the results acquired from pairs of the images with short time intervals.     

Comparative Analysis of Chlorophyll-a Distribution from SeaWiFS,MODIS-Aqua,MODIS-Terra and MERIS in the Arabian Sea

The variability of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) distribution derived from MODIS (on Aqua and Terra platforms) and MERIS sensors have been compared with SeaWiFS data in the Arabian Sea. MODIS Aqua has overestimated the SeaWiFS Chl-a within 25–32% in the coastal turbid (eutrophic) waters and underestimated in open ocean waters with error within 20%. However, there is no significant bias (?0.1 on log-scale) observed as the slope is well within 0.97-1.1 (log transformed). MODIS-Terra has underestimated the Chl-a concentration in open ocean waters by about 29–31%, which is higher than MODIS-Aqua. MODIS-Terra is observed to be more accurate than MODIS-Aqua in the coastal waters. MERIS is overestimating the SeaWiFS Chl-a with log RMS error of ～0.15 and log bias of ～0.13–0.2. The differences in the Chl-a estimates between each sensor are possibly due to differences in the sensor design, bio-optical algorithms and also due to the time differences between the satellites over passes. We have examined that the MERIS is performing similar to SeaWiFS and the MODIS-Aqua (Terra) data are reliable in open ocean (coastal) waters. However, Chl-a retrieval algorithms need to be improved especially for coastal turbid waters to continue with SeaWiFS data for long-term studies.     

Residual and tidal circulation revealed by VHF radar surface current measurements in the southern Channel Isles region (English Channel)

Two very high-frequency radars (VHFRs), operating in the southern Channel Isles region (English Channel) in February–March 2003, provided a continuous 27-day long dataset of surface currents at 2 km resolution over an area extending approximately 20 km offshore. The tidal range in the region of study is one of the highest in the world and the coastal circulation is completely dominated by tides. The radar data resolve two modes which account for 97% of the variability of the surface current velocities, with the major contribution of the first mode. This mode accounts for oscillating tidal currents whereas the second mode represents motions emerging from the interaction of tidal currents with capes and islands (eddy in the vicinity of the Point of Grouin and jet south of Chausey). A fortnightly modulation of the modal amplitudes causes the exceptional (more than 600%) variability of currents which is well captured by the VHFR observations. The radar data revealed that tidal circulation in the region is flood-dominated with a strong asymmetry of current velocity curve. Wind events and fortnightly variability affect the course of tidal cycle by modifying the magnitude and duration of ebb and flood. In addition to expected features of coastal circulation (tidally dominated flow, eddies) and high wind-current coupling, the residual currents revealed a strong cross-shore structure in the mean and a significant variability which has the same order of magnitude.     

Biogeochemical markers of organic matter along the Wight-Cherbourg transect (central English Channel)

Three cruises on the Wight-Cherbourg transect were undertaken during the FluxManche II Programme in order to study the origin, nature and behaviour of organic matter inputs to the waters of the English Channel. Suspended particulate material (SPM) collected from surface and deep waters at each station was analysed at elemental level for Particulate Organic Carbon and Particulate Organic Nitrogen (POC, PON), at molecular level for main classes of organic compounds using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) and for phenolic compounds, particularly lignin-derived phenols, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The SPM content increases from the French (south) to the English coast (north) with the lowest values being observed in the central waters of the Channel. This distribution is essentially linked to resuspension processes and the influence of terrigenous inputs from the Solent river inside English coastal waters. Py-GC-MS analyses show that organic material within French waters is usually marine in character and is more degraded than in English waters. Organic material in the central waters always shows the highest state of degradation, probably due to its long transit time in the “central water mass” from the Atlantic to the English Channel. Autochthonous and allochthonous organic tracers were positively identified through the use of HPLC analyses. Seasonal variations in the system lead to qualitative changes in terrigenous inputs (lignin-derived phenols). To our knowledge, it is the first time that phenolic compounds of autochthonous origin have been recorded in central Channel waters. Indeed, it is the study of the distribution and composition of hydroxybenzyl phenols which has allowed an estimate of the marine contribution to the particulate organic matter to be made. These compounds may originate from phytoplankton and macroalgae tissues developing in the coastal environments of the Channel.     

MODIS水色产品在中国黄、东海海域应用研究

An extensive study collected in situ data along the Yellow Sea(YS) and East China Sea(ECS) to assess the radiometric properties and the concentration of the water constituents derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS). Thirteen high quality match-ups were obtained for evaluating the MODIS estimates of Rrs(λ), chlorophyll a(Chl a) and concentrations of suspended particulate sediment matter(SPM). For MODIS Rrs(λ), the mean absolute percentage difference(APD) was in the range of 20%–36%, and the highest uncertainty appeared at 412 nm, whereas the band ratio of Rrs(λ) at 488 nm compared with that at 547 nm was highly consistent, with an APD of 7%. A combination of near-infrared bands and shortwave infrared wavelengths atmosphere correction algorithm(NIR-SWIR algorithm) was applied to the MODIS data, and the estimation accuracy of Rrs were improved at most of the visible spectral bands except 645 nm, 667 nm and 678 nm. Two ocean-colour empirical algorithms for Chl a estimation were applied to the processed data, the results indicated that the accuracy of the derived Chl a values was obviously improved, the four-band algorithms outperformed the other algorithm for measured and simulated datasets, and the minimum APD was 35%. The SPM was also quantified. Two regional and two coastal SPM algorithms were modified according to the in situ data. By comparison, the modified Tassan model had a higher accuracy for the application along the YS and ECS with an APD of 21%. However, given the limited match-up dataset and the potential influence of the aerosol properties on atmosphere correction, further research is required to develop additional algorithms especially for the low Chl a coastal water.     

Spatial and temporal variability in bio-optical properties of the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea, a shallow coastal area bordering the North Sea, is optically a complex area due to its shallowness, high turbidity and fast changes in concentrations of optically active substances. This study gathers information from the area on concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM), Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), on total absorption and beam attenuation, and on reflectances from the whole area. It examines the processes responsible for variations in these. Sampling took place at 156 stations in 2006 and 2007. At 37 locations also the specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs) were determined. Results showed large concentration ranges of 2–450 (g m^-3) for SPM, 2–67 (mg m^-3) for Chl-a, and 0–2.5 m⁻¹ for CDOM(440) absorption. Tides had a large influence on the SPM concentration, while Chl-a had a mainly seasonal pattern. Resuspension lead to a correlation between SPM and Chl-a. The absorption of CDOM had a spatial variability with extremely high values in the Dollard, although the slope of CDOM absorption spectra was comparable with that of the North Sea. The Chl-a specific pigment absorption proved to be influenced by phytoplankton species and specific absorption of non-algal particles at 440 nm was correlated with the mud content of the soil at the sample locations. SPM specific absorption was not found to correlate with any measured factor. As the concentrations of optically active substances changed, we also found spatial and temporal variability in the absorption, beam attenuation and reflectances. Reflectance spectra categorized in groups with decreasing station water depths and with extreme CDOM and SPM concentrations showed distinguishable shapes.     

厦门湾水体中不同粒级颗粒物、Chl-a和234Th随潮汐的变化及其海洋学意义

在沿岸海域——厦门湾的定点观测站,研究了不同粒径悬浮颗粒物(SPM)、Chl-a和^234Th随潮汐的变化,结果表明,不管采样深度和粒级大小,Chl-a浓度的潮汐变化均为高潮大于低潮．SPM浓度的潮汐变化,表层的规律性很明显,即不管是第一天还是第二天,也不管粒径的大小,SPM浓度无例外地呈现高潮小于低潮之势．从不同粒径SPM、Chl-a的潮汐变化的比较可以看出,浮游植物等生源颗粒物在该研究水域的颗粒物中所占比例很小,颗粒物主要来自九龙江河流输入的悬浮物和表层沉积物的再悬浮．在沿岸海域,颗粒态^234Th是总^234Th的主要组成部分,^234Th各粒级的比活度均呈现高潮大于低潮的普遍趋势,基于^234Th估算的沿岸POC、PON等输出通量也存在潮汐变化的影响．文中对上述研究对象随潮汐变化的原因作了分析和讨论．     

黄河三角洲北部近岸悬浮物季节性分布及驱动因素

近岸海域悬浮颗粒物的分布与扩散对水体生态环境、海岸地貌演变、水产养殖以及海岸工程等有重要影响。由于刁口河流路的改道,黄河三角洲北部成为强烈侵蚀岸段,揭示该区域的悬浮物浓度变化特征和规律是防护工程安全维护的基础。利用经良好检验的模型反演近岸海域悬浮物浓度,Landsat-8和Sentinel-2卫星影像反演结果的交叉验证表明,基于两种传感器反演的悬浮物浓度具有较强的一致性,两种卫星数据可以结合使用。研究区近岸海域悬浮物浓度季节变化明显,冬季和春季悬浮物浓度较高,夏季较低,秋季是悬浮物浓度从低向高转换的季节。冬、春季该区域风浪较大,在波浪掀沙和潮流输沙的联合作用下,底床泥沙强烈再悬浮,是形成悬浮物的主要来源,丁坝群的修建也在一定程度上改变了悬浮物的时空分布。     

Dynamic of ENSO towards upwelling and thermal front zone in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The El Ni?o Southern Oscillation(ENSO) is a natural phenomenon that relates to the fluctuation of temperatures over the Pacific Ocean. The ENSO significantly affects the ocean dynamics including upwelling event and coastal front. A recent study discovered the seasonal upwelling in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia(ECPM), which is significant to the fishery industry in this region. Thus, it is vital to have a better understanding of the influence of ENSO towards the coastal upwelling and thermal front in the ECPM. The sea surface temperature(SST) data achieved from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS) aboard Aqua satellite are used in this study to observe the SST changes from 2005 to 2015. However, due to cloud cover issue, a reconstruction of data set is applied to MODIS data using the data interpolating empirical orthogonal function(DINEOF) to fill in the missing gap in the dataset based on spatial and temporal available data. Besides, a wavelet transformation analysis is done to determine the temperature fluctuation throughout the time series. The DINEOF results show the coastal upwelling in the ECPM develops in July and reaches its peak in August with a clear cold water patch off the coast. There is also a significant change of SST distribution during the El Ni?o years which weaken the coastal upwelling event along the ECPM. The wavelet transformation analysis shows the highest temperature fluctuation is in 2009–2010 which indicates the strongest El Ni?o throughout the time period. It is suggested that the El Ni?o is favourable for the stratification in water column thus it is weakening the upwelling and thermal frontal zone formation in ECPM waters.     

从高分辨率卫星影像挖掘海岸冲淤变化信息的方法

以江苏盐城海岸为研究区,以2006年、2008年、2009年三景空间分辨率为10m的卫星影像为数据源,研究影像上提取海岸线、平均高潮线和平均低潮线的方法,以此分析港口/围海造田等受人类活动影响岸段的演变特征。研究结果表明:1)与低分辨率的遥感影像相比,高分辨率影像可以提取出地物更细微的特征,因此可以根据高潮时水陆分界上留下的地物特征提取出平均高潮线;2)结合影像当天的潮位资料,根据平均高潮线、影像上瞬时水边线、平均低潮线三者之间距离与时间的线性关系定出平均低潮线;3)从得到的平均高潮线、平均低潮线可以看出,2006年后平均高潮线每年都在不断淤涨,而且淤涨的幅度在增加。平均低潮线2006—2008年处于动态平衡状态,2008—2009年平均冲刷了840m,变化非常明显。     

Atmospheric Internal Gravity Waves Caused by Tsunamis over Kuril Islands

MODIS (Aqua and Terra) space images of the northwest part of the Pacific Ocean at instants of considerable tsunamis in 2009–2011 have been analyzed. Periodic cloud structures typical for internal gravity waves (IGWs) in the atmosphere have been revealed in the region of the Kuril Islands in five cases. It has been shown that the meteorological conditions observed during those events favored the appearance of such phenomena. The continuous oceanic upwelling in the region of the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench is a favorable factor for IGW generation due to the creation of temperature contrasts observed both in warm and cold seasons between the ground layer of the atmosphere and ocean surface. The estimate of the structure of cloud manifestations of atmospheric waves by satellite images testifies also to the influence of the Kuril Ridge orography on their appearance and propagation over the water area under study. The increase in amplitudes and duration of oscillations caused by the tsunami in the shelf zone can be an auxiliary factor for the IGW generation over coastal territories.     

Observation of eddy structures in the Baltic Sea with the use of radiolocation and radiometric satellite data

The manifestations of mesoscale and submesoscale eddy elements in surface currents of the Baltic Sea in satellite images differing in physical nature and spatial resolution are considered. The investigation is based on the Envisat ASAR and ERS-2 SAR high-resolution radiolocation images (RLIs) obtained in 2008–2009 for different sites of the Baltic Sea water area and the use of the Envisat MERIS and Landsat ETM+ radiometric images of the visible spectrum. Possible mechanisms of the appearance of eddy structures in RLIs of the Baltic Sea water area are considered. Joint analysis of the mentioned data revealed specific features of the appearance of eddy structures in satellite images, taking into account the variability of optical characteristics of Baltic Sea surface waters during the summer blooming of cyanobacteria and the spring blooming of diatomic algae.     

基于Sentinel-3载荷OLCI和SRAL数据的内波同步探测研究

The ocean and land color instrument(OLCI) and synthetic aperture radar altimeter(SRAL) installed aboard the Sentinel-3 satellite have been in orbit for operational uses. In this study, data collected from Sentinel-3 are used to investigate internal waves in the South China Sea. An internal wave is detected using an OLCI image with a resolution of 300 m, and an analysis was performed with a quasi-synchronous moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS) image. The opposite characteristics of OLCI and MODIS images of the same internal wave are explained by the critical angle in brightness reversals. The unique observational geometry of the OLCI image and its influence on observations of internal waves are discussed. The distribution of σ0 and sea surface height anomalies(SSHAs) induced by internal waves are studied using SRAL records. The σ0 records of SRAL occasionally show less sensitivity to the modulation of internal waves, which may be attributed to the observational geometry, while SSHAs show obvious variations. The synchronous pairing of OLCI images and SRAL records are analyzed to extract the three-dimensional sea surface signatures induced by internal waves. The analysis demonstrates that the profile of SSHAs in the surface shows an opposite phase to the profiles of internal waves in the ocean. The opposite phase relationship, observed in the remote sensing view, is also confirmed with a laboratory experiment.     

Remote Sensing of Chlorophyll and Sea Surface Temperature in Indian Water with Impact of 2004 Sumatra Tsunami

The daily and weekly averaged Indian Remote Sensing satellite IRS-P4 Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) derived chlorophyll images were generated and interpreted in terms of pretsunami, tsunami, and posttsunami periods in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. There has been observation of increase in chlorophyll concentration up to 5.0 mg/m3 in the tsunami-affected coastal waters. The high chlorophyll concentration lasted for about one week after the tsunami catastrophe. The standard deviation for different transects in the tsunami-affected water were plotted. The high chlorophyll has been observed for selected transects in the aftermath of the tsunami event in coastal regions, and offshore water has also shown increase in chlorophyll concentration (～1.0 mg/m3) in the Bay of Bengal. The analysis indicated that the tsunami waves might have displaced and spread the high chlorophyll coastal water towards offshore. NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua daytime sea surface temperature (SST) daily images were retrieved and displayed during December 21, 2004, to January 6, 2005, and indicated the cooling (0.5–1°C) in the Bay of Bengal around Tamil Nadu and Andhra coast. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Prediction-National Center for Environment Prediction (NOAA-NCEP) data for five weeks (December 9, 2004–January 12, 2005) were retrieved to study the SST variability trend in prior to MODIS data and indicated 0.5–1°C cooling of the Bay of Bengal water off Kakinada, Chennai, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam region on December 26 and 28, 2004.     

Semidiurnal Dynamics of Salinity, Nutrients and Suspended Particulate Matter in an Estuary in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, during a Spring Tide Cycle

The physical and chemical variability of the water column at subtidal station of an estuary in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, was studied over a 24-hour period during a spring tide (tidal range ca. 2 m) in May 1995. Surface water and several depths through the water column were monitored every one and two hours, respectively. At each occasion, water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen concentration were measured and water samples were collected for the determination of nutrients and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Disruptive changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the water was produced by the tidal cycle and the mixing of water masses of different origin. These changes were highly significant both spatially and temporally, yet with varying effects on physical parameters, nutrients and the different components of SPM. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations were also observed when the data-set was divided into ebb and flood components, irrespective of the depth. Nitrate and nitrite rose to 1.8 times higher during the flood. Spatial differences of SPM were less marked than those of nutrients, only particulate organic carbon (POC) being significantly higher at the surface than in the intermediate and the lower layer. Both POC and pheopigment concentrations increased markedly through the water column, being highest shortly before the lower low tide. In contrast, suspended solid (SS) content increased sharply after the lower low tide (>40 mg l⁻¹) and this coincided with a marked decrease of the C/SS content (<20 mg g⁻¹). The lagtime between POC and SS tidal transport was caused by particle resuspension from the exposed intertidal sediments as the tidal level rose, and particle transport selection in relation to the tidal state. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Turbulence investigation in a tidal coastal region

A high-frequency (1.2 MHz) four-beam Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) moored on the sea bottom was used for the direct measurements of the turbulence parameters in the shallow (20 m) coastal zone of the eastern English Channel. The measurements were as long as four tidal cycles during the period of the spring tide development. The measurements in the ocean and estimates showed that the Reynolds stress variability coincided with the semidiurnal tide. Their maximum values during the flood phase were approximately 1.5 Pa, while, during the ebb phase, they reached −1.2 Pa. The variations of the turbulence’s kinetic energy (TKE) and the rate of its production (P) coincided with the period of the tidal harmonic M4. Their maximum values were found during the flood phase near the bottom, and they were approximately equal to 0.03 m²/s² and 0.8 W/m³, respectively. These values decreased rapidly with the distance from the bottom. During the periods of low stagnant water, the values of TKE and P in the water column decreased to the minimum values (2 × 10⁻³ m²/s² and 3 × 10⁻⁵ W/m³, respectively), which coincided with the moment of the current’s reversal flow. The results demonstrated the dominating role of the tidal motion, which controls the structure and intensity of the turbulence in the bottom layer, and revealed the characteristic asymmetry of its distribution related to the nonlinear character of the tidal cycle.     

Effects of winds,tides and storm surges on ocean surface waves in the Sea of Japan

Ocean surface waves are strongly forced by high wind conditions associated with winter storms in the Sea of Japan. They are also modulated by tides and storm surges. The effects of the variability in surface wind forcing, tides and storm surges on the waves are investigated using a wave model, a high-resolution atmospheric mesoscale model and a hydrodynamic ocean circulation model. Five month-long wave model simulations are inducted to examine the sensitivity of ocean waves to various wind forcing fields, tides and storm surges during January 1997. Compared with observed mean wave parameters, results indicate that the high frequency variability in the surface wind filed has very great effect on wave simulation. Tides and storm surges have a significant impact on the waves in nearshores of the Tsushima-kaihyō, but not for other regions in the Sea of Japan. High spatial and temporal resolution and good quality surface wind products will be crucial for the prediction of surface waves in the JES and other marginal seas, especially near the coastal regions.