Retrieval of total suspended particulate matter in highly turbid waters of Hangzhou Bay using polarizing spectra data

The total suspended particulate matter (TSM) in coastal waters has a great impact on the ocean ecosystem. Based on the in situ measurements of the TSM as well as the degree of polarization (DOP) of the upward radiance just above sea surface, the relationships between the TSM and DOP were investigated. The results indicated that the DOP was negatively correlated with the TSM concentration well. Moreover, the regional TSM algorithms were developed using band ratios of DOP at 490nm/570nm and 520nm/570nm, respectively. There were good agreements between the DOPretrieved and in-situ TSM concentrations, with the minimum relative deviation of27.8% and 29.9%, respectively.