DEIMOS-1 satellite provides imagery for coastal management: High spatial resolution satellite measures river plume dynamics, wetland flood levels and intertidal vegetation changes in Spain

Abstract

Satellite-borne sensors are an ideal tool for remotely assessing a number of water quality parameters that determine the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. For example, chlorophyll and total suspended solids in a body of water are critical variables for determining primary production and can help characterize nutrient loading and sediment dynamics. Water-leaving radiance was extracted from the images at the corresponding positions and compared to the measured TSS. Regular synoptic observations of the intensity and structure of river runoff in a range of meteorological and oceanographic conditions will improve researchers' understanding of coastal sediment dynamics and contribute to the effective management of transitional waters. DEIMOS-1 is likely to be a very valuable tool that will complement regional monitoring programs, as it has a wide variety of applications in coastal research, including identifying flood areas, estuarine sediment dynamics and coastal vegetation abundance, as well as the ability to collect images on demand.