Comparison of satellite colour data to in situ chlorophyll measurements

Abstract

Similar seasonal courses of pigment concentrations were found in all the regions of the Adriatic, from the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data. Maximum pigment concentrations were observed in the late autumn and in early winter. Individual chlorophyll measurements, from particular cruises, correlated well with the pigments retrieved from the satellite data. However, the monthly means, from longer observation periods, did not correspond well and it was found that the pigment values retrieved from CZCS were considerably higher than in situ measured chlorophyll concentrations for these months in the whole of the Adriatic. This is a result of hydro-geo-meteorological factors, namely mixing of the sediments, especially in the shallow northern Adriatic after strong winds, and the influence of coloured substances brought by the rivers.

Notes

An updated version of a paper originally presented at Oceans from Space ‘Venice 2000’ Symposium, Venice, Italy, 9–13 October 2000.