Multi-sensor analysis to study turbidity patterns in the Guadalquivir estuary

Abstract

A detailed study of the mechanisms generated through the turbidity plume and its variability at the Guadalquivir estuary has been carried out with remote sensing and in situ data. Several sensors with different characteristics have been required (spatial, temporal and spectral resolution), thereby providing information for a multi-sensor analysis. The main objective was to determine the water quality parameters (suspended solids and chlorophyll) and implement the methodology to define the empirical and semi-analytical algorithms from satellite data (MODIS, METIS, Deimos-1). The processes occurred in the estuary and adjacent region have been examined identifying those involved in the different variability scales. The forcings associated with rainfall and discharge from Alcalá del Río dam in addition to the climatic NAO index control seasonal and inter-annual fluctuations, while tide effects (semi-daily and fortnightly cycles) modulate the plume at the mouth throughout the year with significant variability. Special emphasis is focused on diagnosing the role of these mechanisms on the continental shelf ecosystems, constituting a powerful tool for the water quality management and coastal resources.

Keywords

• sólidos en suspensión
• color oceánico
• variabilidad espacio-temporal
• Deimos-1
• MODIS
• MERIS