Remote sensing of ocean colour in the Arabian Gulf

This chapter discusses the significance of spectrally resolved water-leaving radiances, also known as ocean colour, which is essential for comprehending the distribution and dynamics of phytoplankton (i.e., chlorophyll-a pigment) in seawater. Chlorophyll-a absorbs light at blue and red wavelengths and reflects green wavelengths. It is also responsible for regulating the ocean colour biology of the oceans. Ocean colour remote sensing is an invaluable tool for studying ocean colour biology in large water bodies as it enables continuous and non-invasive detection of optically active substances (e.g., chlorophyll-a, colour dissolved organic matter and suspended sediments) in the water. These substances play a crucial role in assessing the health and ocean colour biology of marine ecosystems. The long-term ocean colour remote-sensing data are processed to understand the distribution of chlorophyll-a in the Arabian Gulf, along with other ocean colour parameters. The annual, seasonal and monthly results are addressed, and the importance of the ocean colour parameters is underlined in order to obtain information on the Arabian Gulf's ocean colour biology. This information can also be used to improve our understanding of ocean colour biology and the processes that drive the colour of the ocean and to identify and address environmental issues such as ocean pollution and the impacts of climate change. Overall, the chapter contains useful information for researchers working on optical water quality and ocean colour remote sensing research and management.