"Spectral absorpation coefficients of living phytoplankton and nonalgal biogenous matter: A comparison between the Peru upwelling area and the Albarmare Sound"

Mentor: Dr.Jinchun Yuan
Members: Justin Deloatch, Lee Smalls Jr., Monique Harris

Keywords: optical properties, particulates

The optical properties of seawater can be classified into two categories: apparent and inherent optical properties. While inherent optical properties (IOP) depend only on water, its dissolved and particulate components, apparent optical properties (AOP) depend on both IOP and environmental light field. Consequently, the determination of IOP of aquatic environment is essential for characterizing both seawater components and underwater light fields. Additionally, IOP of seawater determines remote sensing reflectance and it is an important factor for developing and calibration of remote sensing algorithms. Albemarle Sound is a coastal environment with a unique colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and particulates that are poorly documented. Specifically, the spatial variation of the concentrations of CDOM and particulates and their bio-optical properties are poorly known. We have conducted a field sampling and laboratory study of water samples of Albemarle Sound. Specifically, we have: (1). conducted vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen at selected stations along a transect from Elizabeth City to the Real-Time Albemarle Sound Observing Station; (2). collected surface water samples along the transect for studying the bio-optical properties; (3). determined the absorption spectrum of CDOM and particulate material; (4) compared the absorption spectrums of Albemarle Sound samples to that of from other regions.