Temporal-spatial variation of surface suspended matter in Zhejiang-Fujian coastal area based on MODIS

Based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra imagery of 2015, combined with the measured surface suspensions concentration (SSC) data and sea surface temperature (SST), wind field data, sea surface current field data and so on, the temporal-spatial variation of surface suspensions and controlling factors in the coastal waters of Zhejiang and Fujian are discussed. Results show that the distribution of surface suspensions in the study area showed obvious seasonal variability. A temperature front in the 20–50 m isobath of the study area was revealed, and it inhibits the transport of surface suspensions to the offshore. The runoff and sediment transport of river in summer is conducive to the distribution of high-SSC near the coast in the northern part of the study area. Southwest wind inhibits the spread of surface suspensions. In winter, strong winter monsoon can resuspend surface sediments and promote the southward transportation of surface suspensions. This study improved the understanding of the sediment transport mechanism in the inner shelf mud area of the East China Sea.