Simulation of MERIS measurements above selected ocean waters

We report on a number of radiative transfer calculations that have been per formed in order to predict Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) m easurements for the anticipated spectral bands and observation geometries f or selected open ocean and coastal waters. The simulations show that, above coastal waters, significant levels of the water-leaving radiance must be e xpected in several of the MERIS channels dedicated to the atmospheric corre ction. These channels should be included in the algorithms to retrieve conc entrations of water constituents. In addition, sunglint may affect large pa rts of MERIS satellite images, especially in the lower latitudes between ca 20 degrees N and 20 degrees S. Radiative transfer calculations similar to those presented here are used to derive algorithms for the assessment of co nstituent concentrations in Case II waters from ocean colour measurements.