Developing satellite-based tool for water turbidity mapping in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Dhabi case study

Water turbidity is a crucial water quality indicator, which describes how light attenuates through the water column. However, there were limited localized studies in the Arabian Gulf and satellite-based tools have not been adapted to local dusty climate. In this study, in situ measurements were collected to validate existing ocean color algorithms and develop new models for better adapting to the environmental conditions of the Abu Dhabi coast. Secchi disk depth (SDD) from February to April 2010 at 117 stations were collected, 35 of which were retained after strict data quality control. SDD varied in the range of 1.67~10.97 m. “Concurrent” MODIS derived diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance at 490 (K
_d
_490) was used to estimate SDD. Two models were established. Both models have shown their potential to detect water turbidity over Abu Dhabi coast. More in situ measurements are required to assess and improve the performance of the newly established models.