Remote Detection of Suspended Sediment Stratification in Tidal Seas

We propose an algorithm that uses the framework of the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model (Werdell et al., 2013) that partitions the scattering and absorption constituents at wavelengths where phytoplankton pigments do not contribute significantly to the signal (>532nm and not near the 676 nm absorption peak). The partitioned constituents use common shapes from the literature (Werdell et al., 2018) convolved with a specific sensor band~s width. By weighting each wavelength by its signal-to-noise ratio, wavelengths with higher uncertainty (typically NIR channels) are weighed less than those that have less uncertainty (visible channel). As turbidity increases and shorter wavelength bands begin to saturate, however, shorter wavelength bands should be weighed less and NIR bands are weighted more, allowing accurate retrieval of TSM with no necessity for discrete wavelength switching. The GIOP framework should be able to accommodate this. In addition, the proposed algorithm will provide uncertainties in TSM based on varying assumptions regarding the relationship between TSM and optical properties within the observation range (these can be changed based on availability of local knowledge). Initial results with this algorithm are very promising