Potential for nocturnal satellite detection of suspended matter concentrations in coastal waters using a panchromatic band: a feasibility study based on VIIRS (NASA/NOAA) spectral and radiometric specifications.

Satellite remote sensing of coastal waters is important for understanding the functioning of these complex ecosystems. High satellite revisit frequency is required to permit a relevant monitoring of the strong dynamical processes involved in such areas, for example rivers discharge or tidal currents. One key parameter that is derived from satellite data is the suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration. Knowledge of the variability of SPM could be used by sediment transport models for providing accurate predictions. Most of the current satellites that are dedicated to ocean color observations have a sun-synchronous orbit that performs a single daytime observation. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) ocean color sensor (NASA/NOAA) is the only one that is equipped with a panchromatic spectral band, so-called Day-Night Band, which is able to measure extremely low level signals, typically of the order of magnitude of 10