Variability of Optical Attenuation and Fluorescence in Coastal Environments
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. Our primary long-term scientific goal in this program has been to develop an understanding of the physical and chemical processes affecting CDOM (colored dissolved organic matter) and the resultant changes of attenuation of ultraviolet and visible radiation in seawater. The chemical constituent of seawater which absorbs most of the incident solar radiation is collectively referred to as colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). CDOM is a complex aggregate of various organic compounds derived from marine and terrestrial origins. The two major sources of the CDOM are the marine biota (e.g. exudates and recycling products) and terrestrial humic material which is introduced to the oceans mainly by rivers. It is the photochemically active fraction of these two major sources that initiate most of the photochemical reactions in seawater. Such reactions not only alter the CDOM, but also initiate reaction chains which 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 also on biological and physical properties such as optical absorbance and luminescence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA634334
Entities
People
- Rod G. Zika
Organizations
- University of Miami