Retrieval of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in Pearl River Estuary Using MODIS Data

In the present investigation, we analyze MODIS data of Pearl River Estuary, as a case study in the coastal waters in order to demonstrate the usefulness of remote sensing of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). Based on the measured absorption of CDOM data, it was found that the band combination of R667/R410 has the ability to retrieve the CDOM. A local algorithm for estimation of CDOM was developed. The application of the algorithm shows that the estimated CDOM absorption is in close agreement with that measured values. The relative error of the estimated CDOM absorption is generally less 30%. The distributions of CDOM indicating the river water is a main source of CDOM in this estuary.