Challenges and New Advances in Ocean Color Remote Sensing of Coastal Waters

Knowing that coastal areas concentrate about 60% of the world's population (within 100 km from the coast), that 75-90% of the global sink of suspended river load takes place in coastal waters in which about 15% of the primary production occurs, the ecological, societal and economical value of these areas are obvious (fish resources, aquaculture, water quality information, recreation areas management, global carbon budget, etc). In that context, precise assessment of suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations and of the phenomena controlling its temporal variability is a key objective for many research fields in coastal areas. SPM which encompasses organic (living and non-living) and inorganic matter controls the penetration of light into the water and brings new nutrients into the system, both key parameters influencing phytoplankton primary production. Concentrations and availability of SPM are also known to control rates of food intake, growth and reproduction for various filter feeder organisms. Phytoplankton is highly sensitive to environmental perturbations (such as nutrient inputs, light, and turbulence). The abundance, biomass and dynamics of phytoplankton in coastal areas therefore reflect the prevailing environmental conditions and represent key parameters for assessing information on the ecological conditions, as well as on the coastal water quality. Because phytoplankton is highly sensitive to environmental perturbations [1], its distribution patterns and temporal variability represent good indicators of the ecological conditions of a defined region [2, 3]. Coastal waters also host complex ecosystems and represent important fishery areas that support industry and provide livelihood to coastal settlements. The food chain in the coastal ocean is generally short (especially in upwelling systems, having as low as three trophic levels) whereas the open ocean food web presents up to six trophic levels [4]. As a result, when compared to the open ocean, a relative lower fraction of the primary production gets respired in the coastal ocean while a higher fraction reaches the uppermost trophic level (fish) [5] or is exported to adjacent areas (coastal or open sea)..

Caractérisation de la dispersion de traceurs passifs dans un écoulement côtier soumis à un régime macrotidal (Étude d'impact de la dynamique sur la qualité de l'eau le long du littoral du Nord-Pas de Calais et de la Picardie)

Caractériser la circulation et l'évolution de la qualité des eaux côtières en Manche orientale est un enjeu majeur pour de multiples applications dans une région riche en bio-diversité et en ressources halieutiques. L'hydrodynamisme, dominé par un régime megatidal, joue un rôle essentiel dans les processus de dispersion et de mélange le long du littoral du Nord-Pas-de-Calais. La physionomie en "entonnoir" de la Manche orientale donne lieu à une dyssimétrie de l'onde de marée qui induit un flot plus intense et plus bref que le jusant, engendrant une dérive résiduelle vers la mer du Nord accentuée par les vents dominants de sud-ouest. Ce contexte atypique confère une structure complexe à l'écoulement côtier, dans une région dite "à influence d'eau douce". L'utilisation du modèle hydrodynamique MARS3D a permis de mettre en évidence certains phénomènes complexes à l'échelle régionale et comprendre la gense et la dynamique du fleuve côtier. Grâce à la modélisation haute résolution, à l'échelle dite locale, la circulation dans l'enceinte du port de Boulogne-sur-Mer a pu être caractérisée. Il a été démontré qu'un tourbillon anti-cyclonique, caractéristique du régime de flot, permet une évacuation rapide des traceurs passifs transitant par le port. Lors du jusant, une dérive intense vers le sud piège les traceurs dans le port. Ce piégeage peut être accentué ou atténué selon le sens du vent ou le débit fluvial. Une étude de modifications morphologiques de la rade a été réalisée afin de montrer l'utilité de la modélisation pour proposer des solutions innovantes pouvant améliorer la qualité de l'eau. Un travail similaire a été mené en baie de Somme pour comprendre les problèmes relatifs à la qualité de l'eau. Certaines activités sont soupçonnées d'être à l'origine de contamination microbienne et en particulier les moutons de pré-salés, accusés de contribuer majoritairement à l'apport en E. Coli. En assimilant les traceurs passifs au matériel bactérien, nous avons pu appréhender la problématique de la qualité de l'eau. Notre étude a permis de mettre en exergue les conditions environnementales propices à la rétention ou à l'évacuation de matières contaminantes émises par de nombreuses sources alimentant la baie. La convergence des courants, et l'accumulation du matériel contaminant, ont été révélées au voisinage du Crotoyce qui peut expliquer en partie, la qualité médiocre de ces eaux. Ces schémas de circulation interne à la baie de Sommesuivant les conditions environnementales contribue à améliorer les études sur la qualité de l'eau et les futurs aménagements côtiers durables.Characterizing the circulation and the coastal water quality evolution in the EEC is a major stake in many applications, particularly in a such bio-diversified region. The hydrodynamism plays an essential role in dispersal and mixing processes along the Nord-Pas-de-Calais shores. The EEC funnel physiology gives place to a tidal asymmetry which induces flood conditions stronger but shorter then ebb conditions, involving a residual northern drift, strengthened by the dominant south-west winds. This atypical context confers a complex structure of the coastal flow in a ROFI (Region Of Freshwater Influence). Using the hydrodynamical model MARS3D permitted to underline complexes phenomenon at regional scale and understand the genesis and dynamic of the so called, "coastal river". Thanks to high resolution modelling, circulation pattern inside Boulogne-sur-Mer harbor has been characterized. We identified an anti-cyclonic eddy, characteristic of the flood conditions and responsible of a rapid evacuation of tracers passing through the harbor. In opposition, during ebb, a southward drift traps passive tracers inside the port. This trapping effect can be limited or emphasized depending on wind directions and freshwater inputs. Besides, harbor morphological changes have been assessed in order to propose innovative solution to improve water quality inside the harbor. A similar work was developed in the "baie de Somme" (France) to understand water quality existing issues. Many activities are suspected to supply microbial contamination within the bay, especially the marshes sheep accused to be the major contributor in E. Coli. Assuming passive tracers as bacterial material we have studied dispersion and transport processes within the bay. This study permit to underline environmental conditions favorable to evacuate or maintain pollution emitted from several water sources supplying the bay. A current converging zone has been shownsurrounding the Crotoy area (were the water quality is bad), and simulations reveal an accumulation place for most of the different water bodies relative to the fresh water inputs. This work on circulation pattern in the Bay of Somme regarding environmental conditions, contribute to improve water quality studies and further sustainable coastal managements.DUNKERQUE-SCD-Bib.electronique (591839901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Dynamique morpho-sédimentaire d'un littoral sous influence amazonienne (Impact des forçages hydrosédimentaires sur la migration des bancs de vase et la mangrove côtière)

Cette thèse a pour but d'améliorer la compréhension des interconnexions entre les processus hydro-sédimentaires et l'évolution morphologique du littoral guyanais, formés à partir des énormes apports sédimentaires amazoniens. Elle s'appuie sur trois échelles spatiales : la côte des Guyanes, le banc de vase et la vasière. L'amortissement des houles à la côte ainsi que les processus de migration des bancs ont été étudiée à l'échelle de la côte des Guyanes. Ce travail apporte une vision structurelle des zones subtidales des bancs et met aussi en évidence les différents processus et forçages (houle, courant) responsables du transport sédimentaire, en fonction de la bathymétrie (> 5 m et < 5 m). L'évolution morphologique du banc de Kourou et des surfaces de mangrove côtières associées, ont aussi été étudiées. Un lien a ainsi été exposé entre, l'implantation des palétuviers, les régimes de courant et la topographie de la vasière. Cette relation a permis d'aborder l'aspect prédictif de l'expansion des surfaces de mangrove côtière. À l'échelle de la vasière, les zones intertidales sont divisibles en deux secteurs géographiques avec des dynamiques sédimentaires bien distinctes : le front de mer et les zones internes. La morphologie des vasières est abordée, tout comme les processus sédimentaires ayant lieu au niveau de la zone interne. Une méthode de reconstitution des apports sédimentaires de la zone interne est aussi proposée. Cette étude souligne l'importance des interactions entre les sédiments cohésifs et la houle, qui modèlent la morphologie du littoral. Les influences des forçages hydrométéorologiques sur la morphodynamique des bancs de vase et l'évolution du trit de côte sont soumises à discussion.The aim of this work is to improve the knowledge of the interconnections between hydro-sedimentary processes and Guianese's coastal morphology evolution, formed by the sedimentary Amazon discharge. This subject follows three spatial scales : the Guianese's Coast, the mud bank and the mudflat. Coastal waves damping by mud and migration process have been studied at the Guianese's Coastal scale. This study also gives a structural vision of subtidal part of banks and highlights the various processes and hydrodynamics conditions needed for sedimentary transport, for two bathymetric areas (> 5 m and < 5 m depth). The morphological evolution of Kourou's mud bank and the associated surfaces of coastal mangrove are also analysed. A link between mangrove colonisation, currents and the mudflat topography is highlighted. This relation allows a discussion about predictive aspect of the mud banks colonisation by mangrove. At the mudflat scale, intertidal part is divided in two areas with different sedimentary dynamic processes : sea front and internals zones. The morphologycal structure and the sedimentary processes of internals zones are analysed. An historical reconstitution method of sedimentary supplies is also proposed. This study underlines morphological coastal changes sensitivity to hydro meteorological forcing and interactions between cohesive sediment and swells which seems to lead the morphological coastal evolution.DUNKERQUE-SCD-Bib.electronique (591839901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Ocean Color Algorithm for the Retrieval of the Particle Size Distribution and Carbon-Based Phytoplankton Size Classes Using a Two-Component Coated-Spheres Backscattering Model

The particle size distribution (PSD) of suspended particles in near-surface seawater is a key property linking biogeochemical and ecosystem characteristics with optical properties that affect ocean color remote sensing. Phytoplankton size affects their physiological characteristics and ecosystem and biogeochemical roles, e.g. in the biological carbon pump, which has an important role in the global carbon cycle and thus climate. It is thus important to develop capabilities for measurement and predictive understanding of the structure and function of oceanic ecosystems, including the PSD, phytoplankton size classes (PSCs) and phytoplankton functional types (PFTs). Here, we present an ocean color satellite algorithm for the retrieval of the parameters of an assumed power-law PSD. The forward optical model considers two distinct particle populations (particle assemblage categories) &mdash; phytoplankton and non-algal particles (NAP). Phytoplankton are modeled as coated spheres following the Equivalent Algal Populations (EAP) framework, and NAP are modeled as homogeneous spheres. The forward model uses Mie and Aden-Kerker scattering computations, for homogeneous and coated spheres (for phytoplankton and NAP, respectively) to model the total particulate spectral backscattering coefficient as the sum of phytoplankton and NAP backscattering. The PSD retrieval is achieved via Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) which uses backscattering end-members created by the forward model. The PSD is used to retrieve size-partitioned absolute and fractional phytoplankton carbon concentrations (i.e. carbon-based PSCs), as well as particulate organic carbon (POC), using allometric coefficients. The EAP-based formulation allows for the estimation of chlorophyll-a concentration via the retrieved PSD, as well as the estimation of the percent of backscattering due to NAP vs. phytoplankton. The PSD algorithm is operationally applied to the merged Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI) v5.0 ocean color data set. Results of an initial validation effort are also presented, using PSD, POC, and pico-phytoplankton carbon in-situ measurements. Validation results indicate the need for an empirical tuning for the absolute phytoplankton carbon concentrations; however these results and comparison with other phytoplankton carbon algorithms are ambiguous as to the need for the tuning. The latter finding illustrates the continued need for high-quality, consistent, large global data sets of phytoplankton carbon and related variables to facilitate future algorithm improvements.</p

Robust algorithm for estimating total suspended solids (TSS) in inland and nearshore coastal waters

One of the challenging tasks in modern aquatic remote sensing is the retrieval of near-surface concentrations of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). This study aims to present a Statistical, inherent Optical property (IOP) -based, and muLti-conditional Inversion proceDure (SOLID) for enhanced retrievals of satellite-derived TSS under a wide range of in-water bio-optical conditions in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. In this study, using a large in situ database (N \u3e 3500), the SOLID model is devised using a three-step procedure: (a) water-type classification of the input remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), (b) retrieval of particulate backscattering (bbp) in the red or near-infrared (NIR) regions using semi-analytical, machine-learning, and empirical models, and (c) estimation of TSS from bbp via water-type-specific empirical models. Using an independent subset of our in situ data (N = 2729) with TSS ranging from 0.1 to 2626.8 [g/m3], the SOLID model is thoroughly examined and compared against several state-of-the-art algorithms (Miller and McKee, 2004; Nechad et al., 2010; Novoa et al., 2017; Ondrusek et al., 2012; Petus et al., 2010). We show that SOLID outperforms all the other models to varying degrees, i.e.,from 10 to \u3e100%, depending on the statistical attributes (e.g., global versus water-type-specific metrics). For demonstration purposes, the model is implemented for images acquired by the MultiSpectral Imager aboard Sentinel-2A/B over the Chesapeake Bay, San-Francisco-Bay-Delta Estuary, Lake Okeechobee, and Lake Taihu. To enable generating consistent, multimission TSS products, its performance is further extended to, and evaluated for, other missions, such as the Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and Operational Land Imager (OLI). Sensitivity analyses on uncertainties induced by the atmospheric correction indicate that 10% uncertainty in Rrs leads to \u3c20% uncertainty in TSS retrievals from SOLID. While this study suggests that SOLID has a potential for producing TSS products in global coastal and inland waters, our statistical analysis certainly verifies that there is still a need for improving retrievals across a wide spectrum of particle loads

A Compilation of Global Bio-Optical In Situ Data for Ocean-Colour Satellite Applications

A compiled set of in situ data is important to evaluate the quality of ocean-colour satellite-data records. Here we describe the data compiled for the validation of the ocean-colour products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI). The data were acquired from several sources (MOBY, BOUSSOLE, AERONET-OC, SeaBASS, NOMAD, MERMAID, AMT, ICES, HOT, GeP&CO), span between 1997 and 2012, and have a global distribution. Observations of the following variables were compiled: spectral remote-sensing reflectances, concentrations of chlorophyll a, spectral inherent optical properties and spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients. The data were from multi-project archives acquired via the open internet services or from individual projects, acquired directly from data providers. Methodologies were implemented for homogenisation, quality control and merging of all data. No changes were made to the original data, other than averaging of observations that were close in time and space, elimination of some points after quality control and conversion to a standard format. The final result is a merged table designed for validation of satellite-derived ocean-colour products and available in text format. Metadata of each in situ measurement (original source, cruise or experiment, principal investigator) were preserved throughout the work and made available in the final table. Using all the data in a validation exercise increases the number of matchups and enhances the representativeness of different marine regimes. By making available the metadata, it is also possible to analyse each set of data separately. The compiled data are available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.854832 (Valente et al., 2015)

Optical types of inland and coastal waters

Inland and coastal waterbodies are critical components of the global biosphere. Timely monitoring is necessary to enhance our understanding of their functions, the drivers impacting on these functions and to deliver more effective management. The ability to observe waterbodies from space has led to Earth observation (EO) becoming established as an important source of information on water quality and ecosystem condition. However, progress toward a globally valid EO approach is still largely hampered by inconsistences over temporally and spatially variable in-water optical conditions. In this study, a comprehensive dataset from more than 250 aquatic systems, representing a wide range of conditions, was analyzed in order to develop a typology of optical water types (OWTs) for inland and coastal waters. We introduce a novel approach for clustering in situ hyperspectral water reflectance measurements (n = 4045) from multiple sources based on a functional data analysis. The resulting classification algorithm identified 13 spectrally distinct clusters of measurements in inland waters, and a further nine clusters from the marine environment. The distinction and characterization of OWTs was supported by the availability of a wide range of coincident data on biogeochemical and inherent optical properties from inland waters. Phylogenetic trees based on the shapes of cluster means were constructed to identify similarities among the derived clusters with respect to spectral diversity. This typification provides a valuable framework for a globally applicable EO scheme and the design of future EO missions