MAPPING TOTAL SUSPENDED MATTER CONCENTRATIONS IN THE BLACK SEA USING LANDSAT TM MULTISPECTRAL SATELLITE IMAGERY

Black Sea is a semi-enclosed mid-latitude basin, under threat of eutrophication for the last decades due to anthropogenic activities. The problem is not only limited to the north-western part of the basin but also can be traced along the southern coast. Recreational use of coastal waters is generally limited by strong turbidity gradients. Total Suspended Matter (TSM) is a major water component affecting water clarity, and one of the most important matters in determining the optical characteristics of water. The aim of this study is to develop a simple statistical algorithm for operational mapping of TSM in coastal waters of the Anatolian coast. Retrieved algorithm revealed 67% (R-2) overall accuracy in estimating total TSM concentration. TSM distribution of major Anatolian rivers was thematically mapped. It is found that the TSM concentration is ranging between 2-25 g/m(3) for the study area based on model calculations. Even though the results are encouraging, the proposed algorithm should be used with caution for other parts of the basin, due to the spatial and temporal limitations. It should be stressed that a fully general analytical algorithm is an urgent need for monitoring purposes of coastal waters of the Black Sea basin.