Numerical simulation and satellite observations of suspended matter in the North Sea

Two methods for the investigation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) transport in the North Sea are presented: numerical modeling and remote sensing by satellite. The principles and the main components of the two methods are outlined. The numerical model uses a particle tracer method for the simulation of advective transport. It takes into account the interaction with the sediment bed (deposition, erosion). Remote sensing uses data of the Coastal Zone Colour Scanner (CZCS). The physical background of remote sensing is outlined and an inverse modeling procedure for evaluation of the satellite images is described. Data obtained with the two methods are compared with each other and with ship measured data which shows the strong and the weak points of each method. The combined use of field measurements, satellite observations, numerical modeling and specific in situ process studies is recommended as the most effective way to investigate SPM transport