Remote sensing for chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) monitoring research 2003-2022: A bibliometric analysis based on the web of science core database

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) occupies a critical part in biogeochemistry and energy flux of aquatic ecosystems. CDOM research spans in many fields, including chemistry, marine environment, biomass cycling, physics, hydrology, and climate change. In recent years, a series of remarkable research milestone have been achieved. On the basis of reviewing the research process of CDOM, combined with a bibliometric analysis, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the development and applications of remote sensing in monitoring CDOM from 2003 to 2022. The findings show that remote sensing data plays an important role in CDOM research as proven with the increasing number of publications since 2003, particularly in China and the United States. Primary research areas have gradually changed from studying absorption and fluorescence properties to optimization of remote sensing inversion models in recent years. Since the composition of oceanic and freshwater bodies differs significantly, it is important to choose the appropriate inversion method for different types of water body. At present, the monitoring of CDOM mainly relies on a single sensor, but the fusion of images from different sensors can be considered a major research direction due to the complex characteristics of CDOM. Therefore, in the future, the characteristics of CDOM will be studied in depth inn combination with multi-source data and other application models, where inversion algorithms will be optimized, inversion algorithms with low dependence on measured data will be developed, and a transportable inversion model will be built to break the regional limitations of the model and to promote the development of CDOM research in a deeper and more comprehensive direction.

Automated summary

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) plays a critical role in the biogeochemistry and energy flux of aquatic ecosystems. Remote sensing data has been increasingly used in CDOM research, particularly in China and the United States. Recent research focus has shifted from studying absorption and fluorescence properties to optimizing remote sensing inversion models. Choosing the appropriate inversion method for different types of water body is important. Future research should focus on studying the characteristics of CDOM, optimizing inversion algorithms, developing algorithms with low dependence on measured data, and building a transportable inversion model to promote the deeper and more comprehensive development of CDOM research.