Response Of Particulate Optical Properties To Coastal Mixing Processes

Spatial and temporal variability in particulate and dissolved material is a major source of optical variability in the upper ocean. This research was designed to examine the interaction between physical processes and the properties, abundance, and optical importance of different particle types in coastal ocean waters. We have substantially refined individual particle measurement methods and developed new approaches to use individual particle results for interpretation of both inherent and apparent bulk optical properties. The project comprised a combination of instrument development and field studies in coastal waters of the eastern U.S. continental shelf. Work to interpret our field observations has included a combination of laboratory studies, modeling based on Mie theory, and radiative transfer modeling. Our results have emphasized the importance of particles, especially phytoplankton, in determining vertical and temporal optical variability on the continental shelf. Several publications have arisen from this research, and we anticipate 3-4 more during the next year (in conjunction with the completion of a Ph. D. dissertation). In addition, as part of this program, we have submitted our observations to national databases.