Karl-Heinz Szekielda

Observations of suspended material from spacecraft altitudes

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) carried a multispectral scanner, which recorded outgoing energy from the earths surface in four spectral bands. The interpretation of data collected along the NW Coast of Africa indicated the usefullness of ERTS-1 data in oceanic application.

Patch recognition of algal blooms and macroalgae

Fraunhofer lines and atmospheric absorption bands interfere with the spectral location of absorption bands of photosynthetic pigments in plankton. Hyperspectral data were used to address this interference on identifying absorption bands by applying derivative analysis of radiance spectra. Algal blooms show elevated radiance data even at longer wavelengths compared to oligotrophic water and may reach radiance values of around 800 W/m2/micrometer/sr at a wavelength of about 0.8 μm. Therefore, the use of a spectral range beyond 0.55 μm is useful to describe bloom characteristics. In particular, the slope between 0.55 μm to 0.80 μm shows an advantage to depict gradients in plankton blooms. Radiance spectra in the region from 0.4 to 0.8 μm for oligotrophic water and near coastal water show similar location of absorption bands when analyzed with derivative analysis but with different amplitudes. For this reason, radiance spectra were also analyzed without atmospheric correction, and various approaches to interpret radiance data over plankton blooms were investigated. Cluster analysis and ratio techniques at longer wavelengths were found to assist in the separation of ocean color gradients and distinguish bio-geochemical provinces in near-coastal waters. Furthermore, using the slope of spectra from plankton blooms, in connection with scatter diagrams at various wavelengths, shows that details can be revealed that would not be recognized in single channels at lower wavelength.

Satellite remote sensing for resources development

1. General Aspects of the Use of Satellite Remote Sensing for Resources Exploration in Developing Countries.- 2. Present Status of Microwave Remote Sensing from Space with Respect to Natural Resources Monitoring.- 3. SPOT: The First Operational Remote Sensing Satellite.- 4. Spacelab Metric Camera Experiments.- 5. Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) and Related Technologies.- 6. Selected Features of the SEASAT Satellite.- 7. First Results of the European Spacelab Photogrammetric Camera Mission.- 8. Thematic Mapping of Natural Resources with the Modular Optoelectronic Multispectral Scanner (MOMS).- 9. Availability of Remotely Sensed Data and Information from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Satellite Data Services Division.- 10. A Future Outlook.- 11. Interpretation and Application of Spaceborne Imaging Radar Data to Geologic Problems.- List of Participants.

Satellite investigations on the fluctuations of the subtropical and antarctic convergence zones

Investigations have been made using GOSSTCOMP* data in the area of the subtropical and antarctic convergence zone. The study showed that the position of both boundaries undergoes oscillations in E-W direction and it is assumed that the circumpolar current may act on both boundaries of the convergence zones. Since it seems that the antarctic convergence zone is not as stable as has been postulated before, it is suggested that unstable waves, gyres and interaction of different water bodies are the major cause of the observed changes in the location of the two zones.

Heterogeneities in salinity in a river plume

Abstract Continuous and discrete measurements of salinity off the mouth of the Rhone River show the effects of wind induced mixing and of internal waves on the salinity structure. Vertical salinity changes of up to 25%‰ in 1 meter and internal waves with periods of two to three minutes were observed in the upper meter of the water column.

Pattern recognition of marine provinces

The objective of this Letter is to introduce a concept for identifying marine provinces by applying two band ratios that are indicative of chlorophyll distribution patterns. The ratios of water‐leaving radiances 443 nm/551 nm and 678 nm/ 667 nm are close to the two absorption bands of chlorophyll; however, as photon penetration depth at the applied wavelengths varies, each ratio responds to different depths. This allows a qualitative interpretation of separated clusters in scatter diagrams. Pattern classification separates the major biogeochemical provinces as documented with the Peruvian upwelling system and the convergence zone in the Brazil–Falkland/Malvinas current system.

Modellrechnungen für die freigesetzte Energie bei der Oxydation organischen Materials im Seewasser

Berechnete Modelle uber die Zusammensetzung des Planktons und der Oxydation des organischen Materials zeigen eine Moglichkeit, eine Beziehung zwischen dem Sauerstoffverbrauch und den Oxydationsprodukten CO2, PO4−−− und NO3− im Meerwasser herzustellen. Die Modelle werden zur Berechnung der wahrend der Oxydation freigesetzten Energie in einem

Use of satellite data in coastal zone programmes

Abstract Application of data monitored from spacecraft altitudes in coastal zone programmes are summarized. Special emphasis was given to the data obtained during the Landsat missions. The use of satellite images in natural marine resources, management, mapping of coastal areas, water quality, and upwelling and currents is described. The economic benefits of remote sensing from satellite altitudes are evaluated for the marine sector.