Application of a colour classification method to quantify the constituents of coastal waters from in situ reflectances sampled at satellite sensor wavebands.

Remote sensing from satellite sensors is a suitable technique for synoptic monitoring of coastal waters. However quantitative use of remotely sensed data is difficult due to the complex behaviour of these waters. Lahet et al. (2001) demonstrated the suitability of associating spectral optical measurements and a water colour classification to provide reliable estimates of water quality variables in coastal waters by low turbidity. In this Letter, we investigate the robustness of the colour classification method by considering experimental reflectances sampled at the central wavelength of various satellite sensor wavebands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]