Characterization of Optical and Associated Properties of Marine Colored Dissolved Organic Material (CDOM)
Abstract
Our long-term goal is to understand the factors affecting the optical characteristics of seawater. Our focus is on developing an understanding of the physical and chemical processes affecting colored dissolved organic material (CDOM), and the resultant attenuation changes in ultraviolet and visible radiation in seawater and coastal environments. The chemical constituent of seawater that absorbs most of the incident solar radiation is collectively referred to as CDOM. CDOM is a complex aggregate of various organic compounds derived from marine biota and terrestrial humic material introduced to the oceans by rivers. The photochemically active fraction of these materials initiates most of the photochemical reactions in seawater, altering CDOM itself and initiating chain reactions that affect the chemical speciation of oxygen, transition metals and various organic compounds. These reactions can have profound effects on the chemical characteristics of seawater and physical properties such as optical absorbance and luminescence. Our primary goal is to understand the differences and similarities between DOM of marine and terrestrial origin, and the impact these properties have on the chemical and optical characteristics of coastal environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA551557
Entities
People
- Rod G. Zika
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science