Inter-annual variability of wet season freshwater plume extent into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon based on satellite coastal ocean colour observations

Riverine freshwater plumes are the major transport mechanism for nutrients, sediments and pollutants. This paper explores using a physics based model using non-algal particulate matter and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) as a useful surrogate for salinity in Great Barrier Reef coastal waters. Satellite remote sensing is a cost effective method for large scale mapping of CDOM. Remotely sensed freshwater extent is significantly correlated with river discharge.