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Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) strongly influences the water-leaving radiance from aquatic ecosystems. In most inland waters, the remote determination of CDOM absorption presents a central challenge due to their complex optical conditions. However, identifying the temporal and spatial variability of CDOM is fundamental to the understanding of aquatic biogeochemical dynamics. In the present study, semi-analytical and empirical modeling approaches were used to examine CDOM absorption in four, shallow, inland water bodies using the spectral bands and sensitivities of major satellite observational systems. Of the models examined, an empirical multiband model was found to provide the highest correlation with measured CDOM absorption. The spectral characteristics of the MERIS sensors yielded the best results with respect to the other available satellite sensors. High detrital load was observed to be a major impediment to estimating CDOM absorption, while lakes with elevated phytoplankton biomass d...