A comparison of in-situ measurements and satellite remote sensing of underwater visibility

Abstract

SeaWiFS data converted to optical properties of the ocean in the form of vertical and horizontal underwater visibility products are compared to in-water diver and optical instrument measurements during the Model Diver Visibility (MoDiV) experiment. Results were collected from 19 to 21 August in the Mississippi Bight region of the United States. The SeaWiFS satellite data was processed with the Automated Processing System (APS), developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (Code 7333). APS converted radiance values into specific parameters studied: the beam attenuation coefficient, the diffuse attenuation coefficient, vertical visibility and horizontal visibility. These values were compared to the AC-9instrument, a-Beta instrument, Secchi disk and the observed visibilities from the divers. The results indicated that the beam attenuation coefficient and the diffuse attenuation coefficient are underestimated as compared to the in-situ measurements. These values then overestimate the vertical and horizontal visibility as compared to the Secchi disk and diver sightings. The visibility products from SeaWiFS should be used on an experimental basis for Naval Operational Planning. It is recommended that the use of in-water diver reports noting variability of SeaWiFS visibility product estimates are necessary for validation and offers feedback to the research and development field for algorithm improvement.