Optical Properties of Sea Water of the North Atlantic Ocean at Argus Island and Block Island Sounds at Long Island

摘要

Attenuation, absorption, and scattering coefficients were obtained from nearly simultaneous optical measurements at sea. The total scattering coefficients were computed for 159 samples from data obtained with two scattering meters, one of which was capable of measuring the volume scattering function at 0.2 degrees. Depth profiles of the optical properties were compared for consistency, and overall agreement within a factor of two was observed. Consistent agreement between an increase in the turbidity and the top of the seasonal thermocline were demonstrated by data profiles from Argus Island. The light attenuation distributions at the coastal stations were influenced by the tidal cycle and fresh water run-off. (Author)