Application of Ocean Remote Sensing in the Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms in the East China Sea

Abstract

The East China Sea (ECS) are increasingly polluted with overloading of nutrients, causing frequent Harmful algal blooms (HABs). With the advantages of large-scale and simultaneous observation at a low cost, the potential role of ocean color remote sensing in detecting HABs is highlighted. In this paper, firstly, true color image derived from MODIS L1B data was composited for visual interpretation of suspect HAB areas. Secondly, based on the spectral characteristics of different waters, two bands ratio algorithm was developed to extract water classification information, especially Algal Bloom Water. Furthermore, Chlorophyll-a concentration inverted by OC3 algorithm and SST by split windows algorithm supplemented the results gained from the previous research. Finally, based on a comprehensive threshold method we analyzed the marine environment of the Skeleton costatum bloom area.