Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Water color and its relation to primary production

  • Published:
Boundary-Layer Meteorology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is shown both experimentally and theoretically that the depth of the euphotic zone is related to the color of the sea defined as a color index equal to the ratio of the upwelling blue (450 nm) and green (525 nm) nadir daylight just below the sea surface. The relationship is valid for most sea waters where the albedo from the bottom is negligible near the sea surface and where the composition of suspended and dissolved matter is not largely determined either by water drainage from land or by turbidity currents. The standing stock of phytoplankton and its primary productivity within the euphotic zone can approximately be given in terms of the color of the sea. The accuracy in determining each of the above two biological quantities from color measurements at the sea surface is not satisfactory at present. This holds particularly true when the color of the sea is measured remotely by present satellite techniques.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aas, E.: 1976, ‘The Vertical Attenuation Coefficient of Submarine Irradiance’, Rep. Inst. Geophysics, Univ. Oslo 19, 20 pp.

  • Austin, R. W.: 1974, ‘The Remote Sensing of Spectral Radiance from Below the Ocean Surface’, In N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds), Optical Aspects of Oceanography, Academic Press, New York, N.Y. pp. 317–344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baig, S. R. and Yentsch, C. S.: 1969, ‘A Photographic Means of Obtaining Monochromatic Spectra of Marine Algae’, Appl. Optics 8, pp. 2566–2568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burt, W. V.: 1954, ‘Albedo over Windroughened Water’, J. Met. 11, pp. 183–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, G. L., Ewing, G. C., and Lorenzen, C. J.: 1970, ‘Spectra of the Backscattered Light from the Sea Obtained From Aircraft as a Measure of Chlorophyll Concentrations’, Science 167, pp. 1119–1121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, G. L. and Ewing, G. C.: 1974, ‘Remote Spectroscopy of the Sea for Biological Production Studies’, In N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds), Optical Aspects of Oceanography, Academic Press, New York, N.Y. pp. 389–413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox, C. and Munk, W.: 1956, ‘Slopes of the Sea Surface Deduced from Photographs of Sun Glitter’, Bull. Scripps Inst., San Diego 6, pp. 401–488.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox, C.: 1974, ‘Refraction and Reflection of Light at the Sea Surface’, InOptical Aspects of Oceanography. N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds). Academic Press, New York, N.Y. pp. 51–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curran, R.: 1972, ‘Ocean Color Determination through a Scattering Atmosphere’, Appl. Optics 11, pp. 1857–1866.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duntley, S. Q., Austin, R. W., Wilson, W. H., Edgerton, S. F., and Moran, E. E.: 1974, ‘Ocean Color Analysis’, Scripps Inst., San Diego, Ref. 74-10, 72 pp.

  • Gordon, H. R.: 1973, ‘Simple Calculation of Diffuse Reflectance of the Ocean’, Appl. Optics 12, pp. 2803–2804.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, H. R. and Brown, O. B.: 1973, ‘Irradiance Reflectivity of a Flat Ocean as a Function of its Optical Properties’, Appl. Optics 12, pp. 1549–1551.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, H. R. and McCluney, W. R.: 1975, ‘Estimation of the Depth of Sunlight Penetration in the Sea for Remote Sensing’, Appl. Optics 14, pp. 413–416.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, H. R., Brown, O. B., and Jacobs, M. M.: 1975, ‘Computed Relationships between Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties of a Flat and Homogeneous Ocean’, Appl. Optics 14, pp. 417–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, H. R. and Brown, O. B.: 1975, ‘Diffuse Reflectance of the Ocean: Some Effects of Vertical Structure’, Appl. Optics 14, pp. 2892–2895.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halldal, P.: 1974, ‘Light and Photosynthesis of Different Marine Algal Groups’, In N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds), Optical Aspects of Oceanography, Academic Press, New York, N.Y., pp. 345–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hovis, W. A.: 1975, The Nimbus G Coastal Zone Color Scanner, U.S. Dept. Commerce, Washington, D.C., Int. Rep., 6 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1973, ‘Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties of the Western Mediterranean and the Hardangerfjord’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 21, 70 pp.

  • Højersle, N. K.: 1974a, ‘Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties of the Baltic’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 23, 70 pp.

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1974b, ‘Daylight Measurements for Photosynthetic Studies in the Western Mediterranean’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 26, 38 pp.

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1975, ‘A Spectral Light Absorption Meter for Measurements in the Sea’, Limn. Oceanogr. 20, pp. 1024–1034.

    Google Scholar 

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1977a, ‘Optical Measurements at Fladen Ground in March–June 1976’, ‘Meteor-FLEX 75’, In SFB 94, FLEX Atlas, Hamburg.

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1977b, ‘Spectral Daylight Irradiance and Light Transmittance in Natural Waters Measured by Means of a Secchi Disc Only’. ICES, C, 42, 7 pp.

  • Højerslev, N. K. and Lundgren, B.: 1977, ‘Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties of Icelandic Waters. Bjarni Saemundsson overflow 73’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 33, 63 pp.

  • Højerslev, N., Jerlov, N. G. and Kullenberg, G.: 1977, ‘Colour of the Ocean as an Indicator in Photosynthetic Studies’, J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 37, pp. 313–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Højerslev, N. and Jerlov, N.: 1977, ‘The Use of the Colour Index for Determining Quanta Irradiance in the Sea’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 35, 12 pp.

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1978a, ‘Daylight Measurements Appropriate for Photosynthetic Studies in Natural Sea Water’, J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 38, pp. 131–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Højerslev, N. K.: 1978b, ‘Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties of the North Sea, Fladen Ground Experiment - FLEX 75’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr. Univ. Copenhagen, No. 32, 39 pp.

  • Jerlov, N. G. and Nygard, K.: 1969, ‘A Quanta and Energy Meter for Photosynthetic Studies’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 10, 29 pp.

  • Jerlov, N. G.: 1974, ‘Significant Relationships Between Optical Properties of the Sea’, In N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds), Optical Aspects of Oceanography, Academic Press, New York, N. Y. pp. 95–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jerlov, N. G.: 1976, Marine Optics, Elsevier Oceanography Series, 14. Elsevier Amsterdam, 2nd ed. 203 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jerlov, N. G.: 1977, ‘Classification of Seawaters in Terms of Quanta Irradiance’, J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 37, pp. 281–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jerlov, N. G.: 1978, ‘The Optical Classification of Seawater in the Euphotic Zone’, Rep. Inst. Phys. Oceanogr., Univ. Copenhagen, No. 36, 6 pp.

  • Joseph, J.: 1950, ‘Untersuchungen Über Ober, und Unterlichtmessungen im Meere und über ihren Zusammenhang mit Durchsichtigkeitmessungen’, Deutsche Hydrogr. Z. 3, pp. 324–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kattawar, G. W. and Plass, G. N.: 1972, ‘Radiation Transfer in the Earth's Atmosphere-Ocean System, II. Radiance in the Atmosphere and Ocean’, J. Phys. Oceanogr. 2, pp. 146–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiefer, D. A.: 1973a, ‘Fluorescence Properties of Natural Phytoplankton Populations’, Mar. Biol. 22, pp. 263–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiefer, D. A.: 1973b, Chlorophyll-a Fluorescence in Marine Centric Diatoms: Responses of Chloroplasts to Light and Nutrient Stress, 23, pp. 39–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kondratyev, K. V.: 1969, Radiation in the Atmosphere, Academic Press, London, 912 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kullenberg, G.: 1968, ‘Scattering of Light by Sargasso Water’, Deep-Sea Res. 15, pp. 423–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lauscher, F.: 1955, ‘Oprik der Gewässer. Sonnen und Himmelstahlung im Meer und in Gewässern’, InHandbuch der Geophysik, Band VIII. Gebrüder Bornstraeger, Berlin, pp. 723–768.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenoble, J.: 1956, ‘Remarque sur la couleur de la mer’, C. R. 242, pp. 662–664.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzen, C. J.: 1970, ‘Surface Chlorophyll as an Index of the Depth, Chlorophyll Content, and Primary Productivity of the Euphotic Layer’, Limn. Oceanogr. 15, pp. 479–480.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzen, C. J.: 1972, ‘Extinction of Light in the Ocean by Phytoplankton’, J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 34, pp. 262–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCluney, W. R.: 1974, ‘Estimation of Sunlight Penetration in the Sea for Remote Sensing’, Goddard Space Flight Center, X-913-74-113, 17 pp.

  • Morel, A. and Bethoux, J. P.: 1973, ‘Measurements of Spectral and Total Radiant Flux’, Univ. California, Scripps Inst. Oceanogr., S10 ref. 73-16, pp. F1–F341.

  • Morel, A. and Caloumenos, L.: 1974, ‘Variabilité de la répartition spectrale de l'énergie photothétic’, Tethys 6, pp. 93–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morel, A. and Smith, R. C.: 1974, ‘Relation between Total Quanta and Total Energy for Aquatic Photosynthesis’, Limn. Oceanogr. 19, pp. 591–600.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morel, A. and Prieur, L.: 1975, ‘Analyse spectral des coefficients d'attenuation diffuse, de reflection diffuse, d'absorption at retro-diffusion pour diverses regions marine’, Rep. Lab. d'Oceanographie Physique, Villefranche s/Mer, 17, 157 pp.

  • Morel, A. and Preur, L.: 1977, ‘Analysis of Variations in Ocean Color’, Limn. Oceanogr. 22, pp. 709–722.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meuller, J. L.: 1973, ‘The Influence of Phytoplankton on Ocean Color Spectra’, Ph. D. diss. Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, 237 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neville, R. A. and Gower, J. F. R.: 1977, ‘Passive Remote Sensing of Phytoplankton via Chlorophyll α Fluorescence’, J. Geophys. Res. 82, pp. 3487–3493.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plass, G. N. and Kattawar, G. W.: 1969, ‘Radiative Transfer in an Atmosphere-Ocean System’, Appl. Optics 8, pp. 455–466.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plass, G. N. and Kattawar, G. W.: 1972, ‘Monte Carlo Calculations of Radiative Transfer in the Earth's Atmosphere-Ocean System. I. Flux in the Atmosphere and Ocean’, J. Phys. Oceanogr. 2, pp. 139–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plass, G. N., Kattawar, G. W., and Guinn Jr., J. A.: 1975, ‘Radiative Transfer in the Earth's Atmosphere and Ocean: Influence of Waves’, Appl. Optics, 14, 1924–1936.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preisendorfer, R. W.: 1961, ‘Application of Radiative Transfer Theory to Light Measurements in the Sea’, In N. G. Jerlov (Ed), Symposium on Radiant Energy in the Sea, Mon. No. 10 IUGG, pp. 11–29.

  • Prieur, L. and Morel, A.: 1975, ‘Relations théoriques entre le facteur de reflexion diffuse de l'eau de mer, a diverses profondeurs et les carctéristiques optiques (absorption diffusion)’, InIAPSO/IAMAP Symposium on Ocean Optics. IUGG Assembly, Grenoble 1975. (abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Prieur, L.: 1976, ‘Transfert radiatif dans les eaux de mer. Application a la determination de parametres optiques caracterisant leus teneur en substances dissoute et leur conteny en particules’, Thèse de doctorat d'Etat ès Sciences Physiques. No. d'Enregistrement au C.N.R.S., A.O. 12187. 300 pp.

  • Robinson, N.: 1966, Solar Radiation, Elsevier, Amsterdam. 347 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R. C.: 1973, ‘Scripps Spectroradiometer Data’, Univ. California, Scripps Inst. Oceanogr., S10 ref. 73-16, pp. G1–G160.

  • Smith, R. C. and Baker, K. S.: 1978, ‘Optical Classification of Natural Waters’, Limn. Oceanogr. 23, pp. 260–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steele, J. H. and Menzel, D. W.: 1962, ‘Conditions for Maximum Primary Production in the Mixed Layer’, Deep-Sea Res. 9, pp. 39–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steemann-Nielsen, E.: 1975, ‘Marine Photosynthesis, With Special Emphasis on the Ecological Aspects’, Elsevier Oceanography Series, 13, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 123 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sverdrup, H. U.: 1953, ‘On Conditions for the Vernal Blooming of Phytoplankton’, J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer. 18, pp. 287–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, A. H. and Kerr, G. P.: 1941, ‘The Distribution of Energy in the Visible Spectrum of Daylight’, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 31, pp. 3–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timofeeva, V. A.: 1971, ‘The Diffuse Reflection Coefficient and its Relation to the Optical Parameters of Turbid Media’, Izv. Atmos. Oceanic Phys. 7, pp. 467–469.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timofeeva, A.: 1974, ‘Optics of Turbid Waters (Results of Laboratory Studies)’, InOptical Aspects of Oceanography. N. Jerlov and E. Steemann-Nielsen (Eds), Academic Press, New York, N.Y. pp. 177–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, J. E. and Smith, R. C.: 1967, ‘Spectroradiometric Characteristics of Natural Light under Water’, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 57, pp. 595–601.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, J. E. and Smith, R. C.: 1970 ‘Measurements of Spectral Irradiance Underwater’, Ocean Sciences 1, Gordon and Breach, 103 pp.

  • Tyler, J. E.: 1977, ‘Ocean Analysis by Means of Beer's Law’, Appl. Optics, 15, pp. 2565–2567.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, P. G.: 1970, Experimental Results of the Remote Measurements of Ocean Color, Unpubl. final report, Electronic Systems Dept. TRW Systems Inc.

  • Wright, W. D.: 1944, The Measurement of Color, A. Hilzer, London, N.W. 223 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yentsch, C. S.: 1960, ‘The Influence of Phytoplankton Pigments on the Color of Seawater’, Deep-Sea Res. 7, p. 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Oceanography, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    N. K. Højerslev

Authors
  1. N. K. Højerslev
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Højerslev, N.K. Water color and its relation to primary production. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 18, 203–220 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00121324

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00121324

Keywords

Search

Navigation