Simultaneous retrieval of oceanic and atmospheric parameters for ocean color imagery by spectral optimization: a validation

We report application and validation of a spectral optimization algorithm for processing SeaWiFS data in Case 1 waters. The algorithm couples a simplified aerosol model with a sophisticated water-reflectance model to simultaneously retrieve both atmospheric and ocean parameters. Two of the retrieved ocean properties—the absorption coefficient of colored detrital material and the chlorophyll a concentration—are validated by comparison with “surface” truth obtained with airborne and space-borne sensors. We show that employing a more complete water reflectance model significantly improves the decoupling between the oceanic and atmospheric optical signals. Methodologies for applying the algorithm to Case 2 waters and for delineating terrestrial vs. marine chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) are suggested.