This study explores the maximum bathymetric capabilities of the ICESat-2 in coastal environments, with a particular focus on the impact of cirrus cloud thickness. Utilizing MODTRAN simulations for atmospheric transmittance under various cloud conditions, we integrate these with a maximum bathymetric depth model to quantitatively assess this impact. Our results indicate a significant decrease in detection depth with increasing cloud thickness, culminating in complete signal attenuation at cloud thicknesses of 3-4 km. Furthermore, simulations reveal that the FF phase function model outperforms OTHG and TTHG models, exhibiting the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Relative Error (MRE) in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands study sub-areas. This research provides critical insights into the capabilities and limitations of spaceborne lidar in coastal bathymetry, highlighting the importance of atmospheric conditions in remote sensing applications.
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