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The impact of bottom brightness on spectral reflectance of suspended sediments

November 1, 2000

Two experiments were conducted outdoors to investigate how bottom brightness impacts the spectral response of a water column under varied suspended sediment concentrations. A white aluminum panel placed at the bottom of the tank was used as the bright bottom, and a flat-black tank liner served as the dark bottom. Sixteen levels of suspended sediment from 25 to 400 mg litre -1 were used in each experiment. Spectral data were collected using a Spectron SE-590 spectroradiometer. The major findings include the following: the bright bottom had the greatest impact at visible wavelengths; when suspended sediment concentrations exceeded 100 mg litre -1, the bright bottom response was found to be negligible; and, substrate brightness has minimal impact between 740 and 900 nm, suggesting that these wavelengths are best for measuring suspended sediment concentrations by means of remote sensing.

Publication Year 2000
Title The impact of bottom brightness on spectral reflectance of suspended sediments
DOI 10.1080/01431160050029558
Authors Brian L. Tolk, L. Han, D. C. Rundquist
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title International Journal of Remote Sensing
Index ID 70159370
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
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