Water surface temperature profiles for the Rhine River derived from Landsat ETM+ data

Research demonstrates that satellite-derived water surface temperature (RST) profiles can effectively complement in situ measurements along the Upper and Middle Rhine River, enabling the detection of longitudinal temperature gradients and heat discharges. By applying atmospheric correction methods—ATCOR2 and the Atmospheric Correction Parameter Calculator—to Landsat ETM+ thermal infrared data, the study achieved a mean accuracy of 0.5 ± 0.7°C compared to ground measurements. This approach addresses challenges like cloud cover, shadowing, and mixed pixel effects, providing a systematic tool for river temperature monitoring. The findings highlight the potential of remote sensing to improve water quality assessments in UNESCO-listed sites like the Rhine Valley.

Fricke, K., & Baschek, B. (2013). Water surface temperature profiles for the Rhine River derived from Landsat ETM+ data. Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Hydrology XV, 8887, 88870E. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028669