Retrieval of chlorophyll from the sea-leaving radiance in the Arabian sea

Error estimates in chlorophyll retrieval in the sea from satellite data have always been higher compared to the errors in retrieval of sea surface temperature or wind speed from satellite data. This is due to the higher percentage of noise in optical signals compared to infrared or microwave signals reaching the satellite. The noise is introduced both at the sea surface itself and also while signal passes passage through atmosphere. In the present work, we have attempted to investigate the noise introduced at the sea surface. During the validation experiment of the optical sensor MOS-B onboard Indian Remote Sensing Satellite IRS-P3, simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll concentration and sea leaving radiance have been made along the satellite passes in the Arabian sea. The algorithms used in the present studies are not found to give satisfactory values of chlorophyll in about 30% of cases. The possible sources of errors in retrieving chlorophyll concentration have been discussed.