Mapping intertidal surface sediment type distribution with retrieved sedimental components using EO-1 Hyperion data

Sediment type was one of the most important parameters of intertidal zone. The hydrodynamics and morphological changes could be indicated by sediment types very well, and the understanding of their distribution and stability could provide an important insight into littoral marine ecology. The way of conventional survey for sediment types was expensive and time-consuming. The objective of this study was to develop a method to distinguish sediment types using remote sensing, and enable which to be an alternative to traditional methods. Intertidal zone sediments were sampled at the south of Dafeng port, Yancheng city, Jiangsu province, China. Samples were collected from the upper 3cm surface of intertidal zone. The laboratory spectral reflectance data were obtained using a spectrometer. Particle-size of sediment samples were measured by Mastersizer 2000. Through analyzing characteristics of spectral reflectance for sediment samples, we found that two bands were sensitive to content of sediment components (sand, silt and clay) with central wavelengths at 864 and 1034 nm. However, the position of sensitive bands changed as moisture varied. In order to eliminate the impact of moisture on sediment spectral reflectance, moisture was introduced as a crucial factor to build regression equations with reflectance of sensitive bands to get contents of different sediment components, and then Shepard classification system was applied to acquire spatial distribution of sediment types. This way provided a quick, non-destructive and nonpolluting survey method. Meanwhile, this intelligent way of extracting information from muddy coastal zone will contribute to constructing digital earth, the huge system which benefits human beings.