An Investigation of Coccolithophore Optical Properties under Bloom Conditions: A Continuation
Abstract
The major goals of my ongoing investigations have been to describe the bio-optical properties of coccolithophores and associated coccoliths in oceanic environments. Coccoliths are micron-sized calcium carbonate particles produced by coccolithophores (of the unicellular algal class, Haptophyceae) at abundances of 100,000 per ml. High concentrations of these particles are produced annually throughout much of the temperate oceans of the world; mesoscale patches of the coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi have been observed that drastically alter the marine optical properties. Three goals of this particular project were to: (1) use satellite imagery to locate and study coccolithophore blooms, (2) use shipboard optical instrumentation to describe the attenuation, absorbance, and scattering properties in blooms of E. huxleyi, and (3) begin to compile sufficient biological data to predict the occurrence of these organisms in space and time in the world oceans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA231134
Entities
People
- William M. Balch
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science