Applications of a two-flow model for remote sensing of substances in water

A version of the two-flow radiative transfer model is presented as a simple method to study the relationship between substances in water and the backscattered radiation field. It is shown that under the assumption of a diffuse radiative input into a water body, the irradiance attenuation coefficient k can be regarded as an inherent property. A cuvette system is presented which allows one to measure and calculate the attenuation coefficient k, the absorption coefficient a and the backscattering coefficient Bb of various substances. The model can be used to check the applicability of a remote sensing technique for a specific research area and for specific parameters, and to estimate the expected accuracy, and the signal depth. The inversion of the model can be applied as a technique to estimate concentrations in water from the backscattered radiation. The critical assumption of a diffuse radiative input and transfer, which has to be made when using the model for natural conditions, is discussed.The research work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.