Research project SR/00/104 (Research action SR)
Context and objectives
The general objective of the BELCOLOUR-2 project is to improve the quality of existing optical remote sensing products for marine and inland waters based on new knowledge and to develop new products (including primary production and partial pressure of CO2) for key applications such as aquaculture support and air-sea CO2 flux estimation. BELCOLOUR-2 will build on the experience built up in the BELCOLOUR-1 project whose results can be found at http://www.mumm.ac.be/BELCOLOUR. Key issues to be dealt with in BELCOLOUR-2 include automated data quality control, validation, phytoplankton optical properties and taxonomic groups, atmospheric correction, primary production, air-sea CO2 flux estimation and the preparation of new technologies including future satellite-based hyperspectral sensors, geostationary sensors and unmanned airborne vehicules.
Methodology
The project is organised into 7 Work Packages covering:
1. Coordination: meetings, reports, external representation.
2. Theory: retrieval and quality algorithms, new algorithms for primary production and phytoplankton groups, atmospheric correction, bottom reflectance effects, marine bio-optics, air-sea CO2 exchange.
3. Measurements: seaborne cruises, dedicated airborne experiments, protocol intercomparisons, laboratory phytoplankton studies, data management.
4. Image processing: medium resolution satellite imagery, other satellite imagery, airborne imagery
5. Quality control: match-up and long-term average comparison of satellite and in situ data, interpretation of differences, pixel-based reflectance quality control algorithms, validation statements for each product.
6. Dissemination and education: web site maintenance, scientific publications, scientific conferences, BELCOLOUR scientific symposia, BELCOLOUR user workshops, training.
7. Applications: remote sensing support for marine science, ecosystem functioning and aquaculture, eutrophication assessment, harmful algae bloom detection, carbon flux quantification, inland waters.
Results expected
The following results are expected:
1. Improved algorithms for remote sensing estimation of chlorophyll a and suspended particulate matter concentration (and associated product quality) and new algorithms for diffuse attenuation coefficient, primary production, phytoplankton functional groups and partial pressure of CO2.
2. Multi-year, multi-sensor satellite data archive of abovementioned products.
3. Validation/accuracy statement for each of these products.
4. Improved protocols for in situ measurement of optical properties.
5. Improved scientific understanding of optical properties of phytoplankton, impact of bottom reflectance and adjacency effects in remote sensed data.
6. Scientific publications documenting the abovementioned results.
