Response of Particulate Optical Properties of Coastal Mixing Processes.

• Main Authors: Sosik, Heidi M., Olson, Robert J.
• Other Authors: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION MA DEPT OF BIOLOGY
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1997
• Subjects: Physical and Dynamic Oceanography; *OPTICAL PROPERTIES; *MIXED LAYER(MARINE); LIGHT SCATTERING; PARTICLE SIZE; COASTAL REGIONS; CONTINENTAL SHELVES; RADIATION ABSORPTION; SAMPLING; PARTICULATES; NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN; PHYTOPLANKTON; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA323067; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA323067

Spatial and temporal variability in particulate and dissolved material is a significant source of optical variability in the upper ocean. The goal of this project is to examine the interaction between physical processes and the properties, abundance, and optical significance of different particle types in coastal ocean waters. Specific project objectives are to refine individual particle measurement methods and develop approaches to use individual particle results for interpretation of both inherent and apparent bulk optical properties. The project includes a combination of instrument development and field studies in waters of the eastern US continental shelf as part of the Coastal Mixing and Optics Accelerated Research Initiative. Techniques including bulk absorption measurements and individual particle analysis are being used and sampling includes a combination of in situ measurements and shipboard analysis of water. Absorption is evaluated as a function of categories distinguished based on filtration (particulate vs. dissolved) and by chemical methods (phytoplankton vs. detritus). Distributions of particle size and scattering are determined for various particle types (including phytoplankton and non-phytoplankton) which can be distinguished by their flow cytometric fluorescence and scattering properties. A 10-month experiment is currently underway, with one 3-week cruise completed and a second planned for April-May, 1997.