Bioluminescence Potential in the Transition Zone to Very Shallow Water (VSW)

摘要

The long-term goal is to advance our understanding of the ecology of bioluminescent organisms and the mechanisms governing the temporal and depth- dependent variability of bioluminescence in the coastal ocean. With improvements in technology, finer-scale resolution and concurrent physical, chemical and biological data are available to advance our understanding of the forcing mechanisms governing the temporal and depth-dependent variability of bioluminescence in environments of Naval relevance. General patterns of bioluminescence potential in surface waters indicate that there is an increased signal in near shore waters. While present regional and coastal models are able to show this coastal enhancement, the model grids are not scaled to the physical dynamics governing the transition zone from the near shore to the shoreline. In addition, few measurements of bioluminescence have been made in this transition region because of limitations in both platforms and sensors. This is despite the stated need in a recent report (National Research Council 2003). The report highlights bioluminescence as an environmental variable that often influences planning and execution of naval missions, and, in general, the need for more understanding of littoral processes. The objective of this project is to better characterize bioluminescence in the transition zone from the near shore to very shallow water (VSW) environments. Measurements of bioluminescence and other parameters will be made in conjunction with other ONR- sponsored physical oceanographers and near shore modelers to provide a basis for a global understanding of how bioluminescent organisms respond in these turbulent and high sheer environments.