In my PhD project I use TSM derived from MERIS data that can be measured within approximately 10% bias. TSM derived from remote sensing can be used as indicator of coastal processes and remote sensing images provide us with a synoptic overview. I am currently working on my first article which is based on my Master thesis in which we show how TSM can be used to describe the extent of coastal processes.

We are also planning to link up remotely sensed TSM and chlorophyll in coastal areas with terrestrial processes, using empirical relationship to hydrological parameters (inorganic N, Total P). The hydrological data will be compared and correlated with bio-optical components retrieved from satellite images in order to evaluate the effect of terrestrial and coastal management on water quality. The developed tools allow for the definition of the extent of coastal influence, seasonal fluctuations in river run-off, phytoplankton dynamics and concentrations of total suspended matter in the different sub-basins of the Baltic Sea. In Paper II we are planning to retrieve values of inorganic suspended matter from backscatter in order to evaluate influence of river run-off on coastal areas. It will thus exclude the possibility of organic influence from cyanobacteria that are contributing to the values of total suspended matter (during seasonal cyanobacteria blooms) viewed through satellite images.

For my PhD I also need to validate satellite images from the Baltic Sea. In the end of 2015, Sentinel-3 will be launched. It will house OLCI, the follow-up of MERIS. We are planning a test deployment of the TACCS radiometer during 11-22 June 2015. The actually validation will be performed in 2016. The radiometer can be used to measure reflectance at sea surface and to validate the level 2 reflectance of OLCI. This is important as the level 2 reflectance is used to derive water quality parameters such as chlorophyll, SPM, CDOM, Secchi depth and Kd. The observation from the mooring at B1 will provide trend records of water clarity and potential changes in seasonal patterns using our own algorithms. Reflectance data will e.g. be used to derive backscatter, which is directly correlated to turbidity and TSM.

Researcher: Dmytro Kyryliuk, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences