Observations of suspended matter in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia — A SeaWiFs perspective

In a study to examine the influence of marine based processes on the water quality of Gulf St Vincent, South Australia, SeaWiFS data were used to analyse suspended matter features over a 6-year period. The data exhibited periodicity (12 months) which was confirmed through statistical analysis. The spatial distribution of the suspended matter is strongly linked to current patterns which exist in the upper region of Gulf St Vincent during the summer period. The causal factors for onset of annually elevated levels remain to be identified; however a link with temperature of the gulf remains a strong possibility which will be further examined by on-going studies involving MODIS Aqua data.