The Biogeo-Optical Model: The Database & Testing
Abstract
Parameterization of optical Case 2 waters, especially near-shore waters, continues to challenge our modeling and predictive capabilities because of the significant effect of suspended mineral matter on the optical properties of these waters. It has been pointed out that there is a paucity of optical information for the suspended mineral matter of coastal waters2'3. Supplying this gap our knowledge will create a new field, geo-optics, which is absolutely necessary for construction of adequate coastal optical model and will even be of importance for Case 1 waters when the open ocean receives mineral matter from dust storms and gets a significant admixture of iron for plankton blooms. The majority of activity in the study of ocean optical properties has been the creation of chlorophyll-based models4, the quantification of absorption cross sections, and the partitioning of the absorption coefficient into its various organic components. In this report we are making a contribution to the new field of geo-optics by investigating the optical scattering cross section of suspended mineral matter in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Combining these data with bio-optically based optical data on suspended organic matter gives us the biogeo-optical model of coastal ocean optical properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA413732
Entities
People
- Gia Lamela
- Richard W Gould
- Robert H. Stavn
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory