Seasonal seawater optical properties of the U.S. Middle Atlantic Bight

摘要: Optical properties of seawater in the U.S. Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) were measured during four cruises spanning 1993–1994. Samples collected August and November 1993 March April 1994 along a cruise track extending from Delaware Bay to Sargasso Sea. Each sample was analyzed for colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) particulate absorption chlorophyll (chl a). In situ attenuation reflectance also at selected stations using underwater spectroradiometers. The overall seasonal spatial ranges CDOM (442 nm) chl concentration 0.02–0.41 m−1, 0.01–0.49 0.07–9.4 mg m−3, respectively. ranged twofold threefold between seasons on MAB shelf, whereas sevenfold same locations. results indicate that although often dominated water column light absorbing wavelengths (e.g., 442 nm), could be estimated spectra with an average error ±20% relationship previously determined coastal open ocean waters. It appears reflectances nm (R442) within shelf are typically low invariable most sensitivity is contained ratio denominator (R554), resulting relative insensitivity absorption. Furthermore, not explicitly ratios (R412/R490); rather, correlated more closely total (CDOM plus particulate)