Optical remote sensing models for estimating suspended particulate matter in the St Lawrence estuary (OSPLE)

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This proposal is about characterizing spatial and temporal distribution of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Saint Lawrence Estuary (SLE) using optical models based on in situ and spaceborne measurements within the visible-near IR spectral region. This program will: (1) investigate relationships between SPM concentration and optical properties (in-water and satellite derived) of surface SLE waters during different periods of the year, (2) determine how different SPM attributes (composition, size distribution) explain time-space variability of SPM-optical relationships, and (3) examine how climate variability is linked to inter-annual and long-term patterns of satellite-derived SPM. The study of SPM dynamics will provide important information to better understand sediment transport, water visibility, fate of several pollutants, plankton productivity, and potential climate impacts on these processes. The results of this program will help decision makers and environmental managers to improve functioning and sustainability of ecological services and human activities in the region. The main outcome of this program will be a relatively low cost monitoring tool for mapping temporal and spatial variability of SPM in the SLE and based on satellite-based data. These SPM estimates will allow the calculation of important scientific products for the Canadian society and related to water quality, erosion, fisheries, and transport of toxic substances.