Spectral bio-optical properties of water of Atlantic sector of Antarctic

Abstract

Studies of variability of spectral bio-optical properties of water of Atlantic sector of Antarctic were carried out during the 79th cruise of the RV “Akademik Mstislav Keldysh” (11.01.2020–04.02.2020). Chlorophyll a and phaeopigment concentration varied in the layer studied from 0.1 to 1.8 mg·m−3, except for two stations with content reaching 2.2 and 4.4 mg·m−3. The relationship was revealed between light absorption coefficient by phytoplankton and chlorophyll a concentration at a wavelength, corresponding to spectrum maxima: aph(438) = 0.044 × Ca1.2, r2 = 0.84 (n = 117); aph(678) = 0.021 × Ca1.1, r2 = 0.89 (n = 117). Spectral distribution of light absorption coefficient by non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter was described by exponential function. Absorption parameterization coefficients were retrieved: (1) light absorption coefficient by non-algal particles (0.001–0.027 m−1) and by colored dissolved organic matter (0.016–0.19 m−1) at a wavelength of 438 nm; (2) spectral slope coefficients of these components (0.005–0.016 and 0.009–0.022 nm−1, respectively).

Keywords

• chlorophyll a
• spectral light absorption coefficient
• phytoplankton
• non-algal particles
• colored dissolved organic matter
• Antarctic