Evidence for a simple relationship between natural fluorescence, photosynthesis and chlorophyll in the sea

摘要: To test the proposal that natural or solar-induced fluorescence of chlorophyll a in sea provides purely optical measure and rate photosynthesis sea, we studied relationship between several environments including central South Pacific, western Sargasso Sea, two sheltered bays. The results 76 such measurements 2 150 m depth covering 1500-fold range production indicate is highly correlated (r > 0.9) with fluorescence. Furthermore, substantial portion remaining variability can be explained by an examination relationships quantum yields as function light level. Specifically, yield decreases more rapidly than increasing irradiance. Predicted rates primary from measures PAR fall within ±30% for half samples, ±75% 90% cases (assuming carbon fixation were without error). prediction exhibit similar correlations. This suggests measurements, either supplement to direct independent provide new rapid means estimating gross sea.