Integration of satellite data and in-situ measurements for coastal water quality monitoring: preliminary results of the first IOSMOS (IOnian Sea water quality MOnitoring by Satellite data) campaigns

Estuaries and coastal zones are very dynamic and complex ecosystems which deserve multi-scale and multi-disciplinary monitoring system. IOnian Sea water quality MOnitoring by Satellite data (IOSMOS) is a European Transnational Cooperation co-financed by the Operational Program ERDF Basilicata 2007-2013, with the main aim of supporting Basilicata Region (South of Italy) in monitoring Ionian sea water quality status by developing advanced satellite data products. By implementing a general methodology for multi-temporal satellite data analysis, the Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) approach on more than 10 years of satellite data/products, the project aims at providing a description of the sea water status in terms of standard bio-optical parameters, such as Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM). The suspended sediment material (SSM) transport phenomena occurring in the area and the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variations will be also investigated. In addition, by performing specific in situ and airborne measurement campaigns, a calibration at local scale of satellite standard products will be implemented, assessing also the opportunity to develop original products. In this paper, main activities of the projects and results of first campaigns will be presented and discussed.