1. Satellite Data Assimilation into a Suspended Particulate Matter Transport Model

2. 2 Model area & seabed fine sediment distribution: % fine sediment grain size 20-60μm

3. 3 SPM dynamics modelling concept: model output initial data boundary conditions model Wave Model WAM Circulation SPM transport model (based on HAMSOM) Water temperature Salinity Topography significant waves height waves direction waves period SPM concentration Seabed sedimentation field ATMOSPHERE: Cloudiness Relative humidity Solar radiation Evaporation Precipitation Air temperature Air pressure Wind OCEAN: Sea surface height Water temperature Salinity RIVERS: Fresh water discharge SPM Concentration SPM 3D-Concentration field Satellite data assimilation +

4. 4 Processes included in the model: Sedimentation Resuspension Sedimentation Water column Seabed Resuspension Water column Transport with ocean currents Mixing due to waves and currents Sinking Currents Transport Mixing Sinking Bioturbation Erosion Bioturbation Seabed 21 Water layers 5-10 m 21 Seabed layers 0.5-1.0 mm Erosion

5. 5 MERIS data processing: MERIS RGB view Modeled max of SPM

6. 6 Spatial coverage of the southern North Sea by MERIS: Spatial coverage of the southern North Sea by MERIS data in the year 2003 calculated in % of the modelling domain area.

7. 7 New analyzed surface SPM concentration MERIS data assimilation (Optimum Interpolation, OI) OI into the upper model layer Profile and mass correction First guess field (model) Data processor and quality control Seabed Mass balance

8. 8 Effect of data assimilation 1: Surface SPM concentration, mg/l MERISModel with assimilation Model before assimilationModel without assimilation

9. 9 Effect of data assimilation 2: Observations, mg/l Model with assimilation, mg/l Model without assimilation, mg/l rangemeanrangemeanrangemean 0.41 – 9.563.001.67 – 24.995.100.07 – 47.235.40

10. 10 Modeled seasonal mean surface SPM concentration: Without assimilation MERIS data assimilation (Optimum Interpolation) 15 April-15 October 2003 calm 15 October – 15 April 2003 storm mg/l

11. 11 Summary:  Quality control, based on the model results and flags information calculated by the MERIS Case-2 Regional processor filters out unrealistic values in the MERIS SPM surface concentration.  About 300 MERIS scenes were assimilated into the SPM model throughout the year 2003.  The data assimilation signal remains in the model for a couple of days after the assimilation event.  The seasonal distribution patterns of SPM changed considerably due to assimilation.  The data assimilation improves the horizontal SPM distribution, especially its fine structures, i.e. in the location of SPM front in the German Bight and near English cliffs.

12. 12 Satellite Data Assimilation into a Suspended Particulate Matter Transport Model thank you for your attention