Seasonal variability of suspended particulate matter observed from SeaWiFS images near the Belgian coast (original) (raw)
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Continental Shelf Research, 2015
The objective of the study described in this paper is to localize the transport path of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Dutch coastal zone in the southern North Sea. It is known that a large mass of SPM is transported northward from the Strait of Dover, which is however mostly hidden from satellite and other surface measurements. The study area is located at 80 km north of the Rhine-Meuse estuary mouth in the far-field plume of the region of freshwater influence (ROFI). We investigate the occurrence and persistence of a turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) in an area closer to the coast than studied in previous observational programs. Shipboard measurements of vertical profiles of SPM concentrations, density and current velocities with a high cross-shore spatial resolution are presented. A turbidity maximum zone is found at a distance between 0.5 and 3 km from the coast along 30 km of the coastline. Observed concentrations are shown to vary strongly within a tidal cycle, and also between contrasting meteorological conditions in terms of the spring-neap tidal cycle, the significant wave height and the wind force. Temporary stratification is observed during spring tides, and occurs on the ebb phase of the tidal cycle. Cross-shore transports at a transect perpendicular to the coast show an accumulation of SPM in the TMZ within one tidal cycle. Possible mechanisms for this accumulation close to the coast are discussed.
Analysis of Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Images - Proceedings of the Second International Workshop, 2004
Suspended particulate matter concentration (SPM) maps at water-surface were retrieved from 172 SeaWiFS images using the MUMM turbid water extension to the SEADAS4.4 software and a regionally calibrated hydro-optical model. Examination of surface-SPM maps and the depth-averaged SPM derived from a 2D-hydrodynamic and sediment transport model over the BCZ shows interesting similarities. The effect of the neap-spring tide cycle on the satellite-derived SPM distribution is compared to the significant impact of this factor on modeled SPM distributions. Classification of the Belgian waters is carried out using the time-series of SeaWiFS-derived SPM maps and is explained in the light of the SPM transport modelling knowledge. This is preliminary step in this project to provide boundary conditions and initial data of SPM distribution to the coupled model.
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2008
An algorithm is presented for estimating near-surface SPM concentrations in the turbid Case 2 waters of the southern North Sea. The single band algorithm, named POWERS, was derived by parameterising Gordon's approximation of the radiative transfer model with measurements of Belgian and Dutch inherent optical properties. The algorithm was used to calculate near-surface SPM concentration from 491 SeaWiFS datasets for 2001. It was shown to be a robust algorithm for estimating SPM in the southern North Sea. Regression of annual geometric mean SPM concentration derived from remote sensing (SPM rs ), against in situ (SPM is ) data from 19 Dutch monitoring stations was highly significant with an r 2 of 0.87. Further comparison and statistical testing against independent datasets for 2000 confirmed the consistency of this relationship. Moreover, time series of SPM rs concentrations derived from the POWERS algorithm, were shown to follow the same temporal trends as individual SPM is data recorded during 2001. Composites of annual, winter and summer SPM rs for 2001 highlight the three dominant water masses in the southern North Sea, as well as their winter-fall and spring-summer variability. The results indicate that wind induced wave action and mixing cause high surface SPM signals in winter in regions where the water column becomes well mixed, whereas in summer stratification leads to a lower SPM surface signal. The presented algorithm gives accurate near-surface SPM concentrations and could easily be adapted for other water masses and seas.
Ocean Dynamics, 2009
The dynamics of sediment transport in the East Frisian Wadden Sea are important for the coastal zone and for ecosystem functioning. The tidal inlets between the East Frisian islands connect the back-barrier intertidal flats to the North Sea. Here, concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water column are highly variable, depending on weather conditions and tides. In order to estimate the nature and quantity of sediment transport, in situ measurements were carried out at a Time Series Station in the tidal inlet between the islands of Spiekeroog and Langeoog. This study shows the suitability of multispectral transmissometry (MST) for obtaining long-term SPM measurements with high resolution. The comparability of this technique to the standard filter method and the laser diffraction method [laser in situ scattering and transmissometry (LISST)] is demonstrated. In addition, the Junge coefficients derived from both MST and LISST measurements are compared. A time series of SPM data covering nearly 4 months is presented. As a major result, the data reveal that a single storm surge can have less impact on SPM dynamics than longerlasting gales. This high-resolution long-term data set is very valuable for modelling suspended matter flux. It also provides background information for studying the influence of SPM dynamics on coastal sediments.
Ocean Science Journal, 2011
The integration of remote sensing data of suspended particulate matter (SPM) into numerical models is useful to improve the understanding of the temporal and spatial behaviour of SPM in dynamic shelf seas. In this paper a generic method based on the Ensemble Kalman Filtering (EnKF) for assimilating remote sensing SPM data into a transport model is presented. The EnKF technique is used to assimilate SPM data of the North Sea retrieved from the MERIS sensor, into the computational water quality and sediment transport model, Delft3D-WAQ. The satellite data were processed with the HYDROPT algorithm that provides SPM concentrations and error information per pixel, which enables their use in data assimilation. The uncertainty of the transport model, expressed in the system noise covariance matrix, was quantified by means of a Monte Carlo approach. From a case study covering the first half of 2003, it is demonstrated that the MERIS observations and transport model application are sufficiently robust for a successful generic assimilation. The assimilation results provide a consistent description of the spatial-temporal variability of SPM in the southern North Sea and show a clear decrease of the model bias with respect to independent in-situ observations. This study also identifies some shortcomings in the assimilated results, such as over prediction of surface SPM concentrations in regions experiencing periods of rapid stratification/de-stratification. Overall this feasibility study leads to a range of suggestions for improving and enhancing the model, the observations and the assimilation scheme.
Annual variations in suspended particulate matter within the Dover Strait
During a survey at six stations in the Dover Strait, from Ju1y 1990 to November 1991 , water samples were collected to measure : suspended sediment load and its organic content; particle characteristics; photosynthesis pigments; and heavy metals. In this contribution, particle measurements are interpreted in terms of hydrodynamical effects and seasonal evolution. Mu1ti-modal grain size spectra are indicative of depth and cross-sectional variations, from the coastline to the central waters. Tidal variations, biological productivity and wind effects can be identified. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) components (determined using SEM, when combined with size spectra) illustrate hydrodynamical, geomorphological and biological effects on the composition of the suspended matter. Living and non-living diatom valves, used as particulate tracers, provide information on the sources and hydrodynamic behaviour of the suspended particles. Although the Seine input is high, riverine SPM input is not detected within the Dover Strait. SPM fluxes from the Eastern Channel into the southern North Sea, across the Dover Strait, originate mainly from: Atlantic waters; coastal and sea bed erosion; biological activity; and resuspension from the intertidal zone. SPM studies in the Eastern Channel could provide information on the complex behaviour of river pollutants over the region.