Small-Scale Bio-Optical Distributions in the Upper Ocean (AASERT)
Abstract
This ASSERT project supported a graduate student, Ms. Lisa Eisner, to apply newly-developed, state-of-the-art bio-optical instrumentation to the analysis of phytoplankton processes in biological oceanography. Ms. Eisner obtained bio-optical data from a time-series of vertical profiles (2-3 cm vertical resolution) of hydrographic and bio-optical data from East Sound, Orcas Island, WA, and from continental shelf waters off Oregon. Ms. Eisner has examined patterns of occurrence of thin planktonic layers in association with distinct physical properties. In addition, she has used High Performance Liquid Chromotography (HPLC) to define the phytoplankton pigment signatures within these planktonic layers, and has related those HPLC data to the in situ absorption signatures of the phytoplankton assemblages. Her results suggest that in situ absorption measurements can be an index of photoadaptation by marine phytoplankton. This finding is significant because it can reduce the need to obtain discrete samples for pigment analysis during oceanographic experiments and it can provide rapid assessment of the physiological condition of marine phytoplankton assemblages.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 26, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA383630
Entities
People
- Timothy J. Cowles
Organizations
- Oregon State University