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Light scattering and extinction in a highly turbid coastal inlet

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Abstract

Multifactor regression analysis was used to test for relationships between chemical, physical and optical properties of the water column in the organically rich, highly turbid waters of Florida's Fort Pierce Inlet. Optical measurements were made at three visible light wavelengths (445 nm, 542 nm and 630 nm). Scattering by suspended particulate material was found to be the primary optical mechanism controlling downwelling irradiance at all three wavelengths. Larger particles showed constant scattering efficiencies of 2 when their diameters exceeded 3 to 5 microns, depending upon the wavelength used for observation. Selective absorption had a definite effect on the transmission of radiant energy in the 445 nm wavelength range. High correlation between extinction at 445 nm and the cross-sectional area of the suspended particulate material indicates particulate, rather than dissolved materials, are the major water column constituents that selectively absorb short wavelength radiant energy in this inlet. Spectral distribution of the downwelling radiant energy field was found to shift dramatically over a period of several months. These shifts in downwelling spectral irradiance were attributed to seasonal and/or event related shifts in concentrations of selectively absorbing compounds within the water column.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Remote Sensing Services, Harbor Branch Foundation, Inc., RFD 1, Box 196, 33450, Fort Pierce, FL

    M. John Thompson

  2. Oceanography Department, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA

    Leslie K. Rosenfeld

Authors
  1. M. John Thompson
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  2. Leslie K. Rosenfeld
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Thompson, M.J., Rosenfeld, L.K. Light scattering and extinction in a highly turbid coastal inlet. Estuaries 2, 164–171 (1979). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351730

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