In situ data

Each year, our team carries out a number of seaborne campaigns on research vessels such as the Belgica, Zeeleeuw or smaller boats such as the Tuimelaar. The cruises are organized when light conditions are favorable, this is between March and September, and are all performed in the Southern North Sea . While focusing on the Belgian Coastal Zone (BCZ), we occasionally go out in Dutch, English or French waters.

Measurements on-board are concentrated on gathering information on water-leaving reflectance, total suspended matter concentration, chlorophyll concentration and aerosol optical thickness.

Standard protocols are followed to measure these parameters in order to allow comparison of our data at an international level and inclusion in databases such as BMDC ( Belgian Marine Data Center) REVAMP (only for REVAMP partners) and Envisat CAL/VAL.