Bio-optical properties in the Yellow Sea

Abstract

A bio-optic survey was made in the Yellow Sea in May, 1998 for OSMI cal/val and application project. Optical measurements were made in nine stations. From these measurements, apparent and inherent optical properties such as Kd, R, a, and b(b) were estimated. The patterns of reflectance indicated that all three major constituents, namely, chlorophyll-a, suspended sediments, and CDOM were active in determining the optical properties in the Yellow Sea. Their relative contribution was different among the stations. All the stations had high backscattering and their values fell in Case 2 category. Although the total absorption was very high, it could not be explained by the level of CDOM concentration. It is suggested that the suspended sediment might be highly absorptive and further study is needed to investigate the optical properties of the suspended sediments.b) were estimated. The patterns of reflectance indicated that all three major constituents, namely, chlorophyll-a, suspended sediments, and CDOM were active in determining the optical properties in the Yellow Sea. Their relative contribution was different among the stations. All the stations had high backscattering and their values fell in Case 2 category. Although the total absorption was very high, it could not be explained by the level of CDOM concentration. It is suggested that the suspended sediment might be highly absorptive and further study is needed to investigate the optical properties of the suspended sediments.