Modeling the remote-sensing reflectance of highly turbid waters

In ocean-color remote sensing, subsurface remote-sensing reflectance (r_rs) of optically deep waters can be linked to its absorption (a) and backscattering coefficients (b_b) by various models. The use of such models allows for quick calculations r_rs from such coefficients, eliminating the need to solve the radiative transfer equation. In particular, r_rs can be expressed as a function of b_b/(a+b_b). HydroLight and Monte Carlo simulations showed that commonly used models underestimate r_rs in waters with high suspended sediment loads. Monte Carlo simulations confirmed that this issue is due to a sharp increase in multiple scattering events at high turbidity levels. A quartic polynomial model is derived relating r_rs and inherent optical properties (IOPs) for waters of any turbidity, to avoid significant errors in waters of high turbidity.