Author(s)

R. Khanbilvardi, B. Shteinman, V. Kushnir, S. Stanichny, S. Ahmed, A. Gilerson, B. M. Gross & F. Moshary

Abstract

Processing of the calculated invariant hydro-optic parameters ) , ( I 2 1 λ λ and ) , ( V 2 1 λ λ based on water leaving radiance (WLR) data measured by color scanners in the New York coastal zone has shown that the most significant inhomogeneities are observed at the coastline, while at a distance of 5-7 km from the coast the variability of the above parameters decreases approximately twice. Spectral analysis of optical inhomogeneities along several profiles with respect to the coastline has shown that their characteristic scales also substantially depend on the distance from the coastline and vary from 12 km near the coast at depths of 14-16 m to 40-43 km where the depth is 22-25 m. These values coincide with the estimates of characteristic sizes of mesoscale hydrodynamic processes based on the baroclinic deformation radii. Satellite measurements performed with an interval of about 24 hours have provided some estimates of time-related variability of optical inhomogeneities. The repeatability of the main spectra maximums for the measurements done with an interval of one day testifies to the relative stability of the basic structures of optical inhomogeneities. Keywords: coastal waters, color scanner, color index, spatial scales.

Keywords

coastal waters, color scanner, color index, spatial scales.