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An overview of remote sensing of chlorophyll fluorescence

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Abstract

Besides empirical algorithms with the blue-green ratio, the algorithms based on fluorescence are also important and valid methods for retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration in the ocean waters, especially for Case II waters and the sea with algal blooming. This study reviews the history of initial cognitions, investigations and detailed approaches towards chlorophyll fluorescence, and then introduces the biological mechanism of fluorescence remote sensing and main spectral characteristics such as the positive correlation between fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration, the red shift phenomena. Meanwhile, there exist many influence factors that increase complexity of fluorescence remote sensing, such as fluorescence quantum yield, physiological status of various algae, substances with related optical property in the ocean, atmospheric absorption etc. Based on these cognitions, scientists have found two ways to calculate the amount of fluorescence detected by ocean color sensors: fluorescence line height and reflectance ratio. These two ways are currently the foundation for retrieval of chlorophyl l - a concentration in the ocean. As the in-situ measurements and synchronous satellite data are continuously being accumulated, the fluorescence remote sensing of chlorophyll-a concentration in Case II waters should be recognized more thoroughly and new algorithms could be expected.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Oceanography, Ocean University of China, 266100, Qingdao, China

    Xiao-Gang Xing, Yu-Guang Liu & Peng Xiu

  2. National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, 116023, Dalian, China

    Xiao-Gang Xing, Dong-Zhi Zhao, Jian-Hong Yang & Lin Wang

  3. College of Environment Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026, Dalian, China

    Lin Wang

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  1. Xiao-Gang Xing
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  2. Dong-Zhi Zhao
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  3. Yu-Guang Liu
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  5. Peng Xiu
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Correspondence to Xiao-Gang Xing.

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Xing, XG., Zhao, DZ., Liu, YG. et al. An overview of remote sensing of chlorophyll fluorescence. Ocean Sci. J. 42, 49–59 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020910

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020910

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