Research project Using OLC I Sentinel-3 data to assess the impact of climate change in coastal waters and lakes
Satellite observations provide new opportunities to monitor how climate change affects coastal and inland waters. By combining advanced remote sensing with environmental monitoring data, this project develops methods to track changes in water quality, runoff and biological productivity in the Baltic Sea and Swedish lakes.
The project uses data from ESA's Sentinel-3 satellites to improve the monitoring of coastal and inland waters. Researchers are developing and validating methods to measure variables such as chlorophyll, turbidity, water transparency and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The project also aims to improve the usability of satellite observations for climate research, environmental monitoring and water management. By combining satellite observations with field measurements, the project investigates how climate change affects aquatic environments through altered precipitation patterns, increased runoff and changes in ecosystem functioning.
The Copernicus Programme and the Sentinel-3 satellites provide high-resolution observations of oceans, coastal waters and lakes. This project uses measurements from the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) to develop robust methods for monitoring optically complex aquatic environments, including the Baltic Proper, the Bothnian Sea and Lake Vänern.
The research focuses on developing and quality-assuring algorithms for estimating chlorophyll-a, coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM), water transparency, turbidity and inorganic suspended material. By combining satellite observations with field measurements and national monitoring data, the project aims to improve both the accuracy and applicability of satellite-derived water quality products. The goal is to develop methods and models that can be integrated into water management and support environmental decision-making.
A key objective is to investigate how climate change influences the transport of organic and inorganic material from land to water. Increased precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events are expected to enhance erosion and runoff, potentially affecting water quality, light conditions and phytoplankton dynamics in lakes and coastal ecosystems. The project also uses long-term satellite records from the ESA Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) to analyse environmental change and climate-related trends from the late 1990s onwards.
The results will support both climate research and water management by providing improved tools for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and assessing environmental change over time. The project contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13, Climate Action, and 14, Life Below Water.