In situ measurements and satellite remote sensing of case 2 waters: first results from the Curonian Lagoon

In this study we present calibration/validation activities associated with satellite MERIS image processing and aimed at estimating chl a and CDOM in the Curonian Lagoon. Field data were used to validate the performances of two atmospheric correction algorithms, to build a band-ratio algorithm for chl a and to validate MERIS-derived maps. The neural network-based Case 2 Regional processor was found suitable for mapping CDOM; for chl a, the band-ratio algorithm applied to image data corrected with the 6S code was found more appropriate. Maps were in agreement with in situ measurements. This study confirmed the importance of atmospheric correction to estimate water quality and demonstrated the usefulness of MERIS in investigating eutrophic aquatic ecosystems.