A Split-Window Model for Deriving Total Suspended Sediment Matter From MODIS Data in the Bohai Sea

In this paper, as a case study in the Bohai Sea, a split-window model is established for retrieving total suspended sediment matter (TSM) from MODIS data. The split-window model is initialized using the MODIS-derived water-leaving reflectance and field-measured TSM concentration. Based on the results of the analyses, it is shown that the split-window model may be used for estimating TSM concentration in the Bohai Sea without requiring accurate atmospheric correction for the MODIS dataset, regardless of the fact that the model output would be influenced by the inherent noise at the MODIS near-infrared wavelengths in cases with low TSM concentration. Finally, the split-window model is used to produce TSM images from MODIS data obtained on September 22, 2005. As expected, the TSM concentration decreases from the coastal zone in all directions, with the sharpest decline in the direction of the Central Bohai Sea. These distribution characteristics of the TSM concentrations are caused primarily by wind waves, Stoke drifts, tidal currents, river discharge, and other factors.