Characterization and Tracking DOM in the Ocean Using Total Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
Abstract
Our results to date have provided proof of concept for application of EEMS to ocean chemistry, biology, optics, and tracer studies. EEMS has provided new insight into the chemical composition of DOM in natural waters. Fluorescence spectroscopy can provide a rapid, underway, real-time method for distinguishing between various pools of DOC and to look for transport of newly-formed DOC Out of the euphotic zone. Analysis is rapid enough to permit sampling a spacial resolution similar to that of other hydrographic parameters, such as nutrients. This gives us the ability to for the first time to incorporate DOC compositional information into large scale circulation models, thereby increasing our understanding of DOC cycling in the ocean and providing new insights into pathways, sites, and rates of DOC transformation. Elaboration of differences in spectral properties due to gelbstoff source and the conditions under with measurements are made should also lead to improvement of radiative transfer model. The linear relationship between CDOM fluorescence and salinity could provide an optical tracer amenable to remote sensing techniques using passive or active sensors. Passive sensors have been used successfully to produce surface salinity maps from AVIRIS data based on gelbstoff absorption (Carder et al. 1993). Data of this type could be extremely useful in coastal waters where remote sensing separated surface temperature pans alone do not permit extrapolation of water mass distribution and mixing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA309348
Entities
People
- Paula G. Coble
Organizations
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg