In-Pixel Variations of chl a Fluorescence In the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Their Implications for Calibrating Remotely Sensed chl a and Other Products
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2005
Department
Marine Science
Abstract
Remote sensing instruments such as SeaWiFS and MODIS are often calibrated or tested by comparison with in situ data. These comparisons are based on the premise that there is uniform in-pixel variation of the standard deviation of in situ properties. To evaluate some of the errors resulting from this assumption, we conducted an analysis of in-pixel variation of chl a fluorescence by examining fluorescence data from a flow-through system on an underway vessel mapping surface properties for 10 days on the continental shelf in the vicinity of the Mississippi River delta. Significant variations of in-pixel standard deviation of chl a fluorescence were observed, which indicate that this uniformity assumption is not valid in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that a large apparent error by the remote sensor is generated if uniformity of standard deviation is assumed. Our results suggest that one should take into account both in-pixel mean and standard deviation, when comparing remotely sensed ocean color data with in situ measurements. Similar measures should be taken when comparing other remotely sensed products with field determinations. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Title
Continental Shelf Research
Volume
25
Issue
15
First Page
1894
Last Page
1904
Recommended Citation
Yuan, J.,
Dagg, M. J.,
Del Castillo, C. E.
(2005). In-Pixel Variations of chl a Fluorescence In the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Their Implications for Calibrating Remotely Sensed chl a and Other Products. Continental Shelf Research, 25(15), 1894-1904.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2653