Evaluation of downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient algorithms in the Red Sea

Abstract

Despite the importance of the optical properties such as the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient for characterizing the upper water column, until recently no in situ optical measurements were published for the Red Sea. Kirby et al.1 used observations from the Coastal Zone Color Scanner to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of the diffuse attenuation coefficient (K d (490)) in the Red Sea. To better understand optical variability and its utility in the Red Sea, it is imperative to comprehend the diffuse attenuation coefficient and its relationship with in situ properties. Two apparent optical properties, spectral remote sensing reflectance (R rs ) and the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient (K d ), are calculated from vertical profile measurements of downwelling irradiance (E d ) and upwelling radiance (L u ). K d characterizes light penetration into water column that is important for understanding both the physical and biogeochemical environment, including water quality and the health of ocean environment. Our study tests the performance of the existing K d (490) algorithms in the Red Sea and compares them against direct in situ measurements within various subdivisions of the Red Sea. Most standard algorithms either overestimated or underestimated with the measured in situ values of K d . Consequently, these algorithms provided poor retrieval of K d (490) for the Red Sea. Random errors were high for all algorithms and the correlation coefficients (r 2 ) with in situ measurements were quite low. Hence, these algorithms may not be suitable for the Red Sea. Overall, statistical analyses of the various algorithms indicated that the existing algorithms are inadequate for the Red Sea. The present study suggests that reparameterizing existing algorithms or developing new regional algorithms is required to improve retrieval of K d (490) for the Red Sea.