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. Of particular interest to us are the effects of sunlight-initiated physical/chemical processes on 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 organic compounds derived from marine biota and terrestrial humic material introduced to the oceans by rivers. The photochemically active fraction initiates most of the photochemical reactions in seawater, altering CDOM itself and affecting 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 objective is to understand the differences and similarities between DOM of marine and terrestrial origin, the effects of photochemical processes on the structure and optical characteristics of CDOM and the impact these properties have on the optical characteristics of marine environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA609937
Entities
People
- Catherine D. Clark
- Rod G. Zika
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science