Vertical variations of optical properties in the coastal waters of the state of São Paulo and their influence on the hyperspectral remote sensing signal (FAPESP)
The observation of oceans through remote sensing provides fundamental synoptic and synchronous data on physical dynamics and the distribution of marine microbiota. The advancement of this tool has significantly increased the number of observed spectral channels, requiring a better description and understanding of the optical properties within the water column. This proposal will investigate, through in situ measurements and numerical simulations, the variability of the underwater hyperspectral light field along the coast of São Paulo state, focusing on the effects of subsurface intrusions of the South Atlantic Central Water on the color of the surface ocean and their impact on the use of ocean color images for biogeochemical studies. Additionally, the proposal aims to develop regional algorithms for estimating optically active components (such as phytoplankton and detritus) for current and future multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing sensors. The technological outcomes will include the development of a database on optical properties and methodologies for numerical simulations of the underwater light field in the coastal ocean of São Paulo, a region where the establishment of monitoring programs is urgently needed. The results will be reported both scientifically and to civil society and decision-makers. We hope to establish a milestone in the advancement of bio-optical studies of coastal waters, which remain relatively modest in Brazil.
