Purpose. The purpose of the work is to study spatial and seasonal variability of the total suspended matter concentration in the Sea of Azov over a long-term period using optical satellite data, and to assess its relationship with the intensity and duration of wind impact.

Methods and Results. An array of more than 3000 MODIS, Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellite images for 2003–2024 was analyzed. The average suspended matter concentrations were mapped and the obtained fields were compared with the types of bottom sediments, bottom relief, and hydrometeorological conditions. It was established that during wind-wave roiling, significant optical inhomogeneities were recorded in the suspended matter field, conditioned, probably, by the different granulometric composition of bottom sediments, as well as by the features of bottom relief. It was shown that the maximum average long-term concentrations of suspended matter (up to 10 mg/L) were observed in the areas with fine-grained bottom sediments and complex bottom relief, namely in the coastal zone of the Yeysky Peninsula, by the Dolgaya Spit and Bank, and the Yelenina Bank. In the coastal areas of the Arabat Spit and Biryuchy Island Spit, and the Obitochnaya and Berdyansk Spits, the concentrations reached 5–6 mg/L. The analysis of hydrometeorological conditions showed that the impact of wind with a speed exceeding 10 m/s for 1–2 days or longer resulted in an increase in water turbidity practically throughout the whole region under study. The highest values of suspended matter concentration (more than 10 mg/L) were recorded at wind speeds exceeding 14 m/s and durations surpassing 5 days. As for seasonal dynamics, the maximum values were revealed in the winter period (7–9 mg/L in January), and the minimum ones were observed from June to September (0–1 mg/L).

Conclusions. The spatial distribution of suspended matter in the Sea of Azov is conditioned by lithodynamic factors (bottom sediment type and bottom topography) and the hydrometeorological conditions. The most intense wind-driven roiling takes place during the cold season, from October to April.