Atmospheric correction algorithm for hyperspectral remote sensing of oceancolor from space

Existing atmospheric correction algorithms for multichannel remote sensing of ocean color from space were designed for retrieving water-leaving radian ces in the visible over clear deep ocean areas and cannot easily be modifie d for retrievals over turbid coastal waters. We have developed an atmospher ic correction algorithm for hyperspectral remote sensing of ocean color wit h the near-future Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrometer. The algorithm uses lo okup tables generated with a vector radiative transfer code. Aerosol parame ters are determined by a spectrum-matching technique that uses channels loc ated at wavelengths longer than 0.86 mu m. The aerosol information is extra cted back to the visible based on aerosol models during the retrieval of wa ter-leaving radiances. Quite reasonable water-leaving radiances have been o btained when our algorithm was applied to process hyperspectral imaging dat a acquired with an airborne imaging spectrometer. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America.