Evaluation of an In Situ Absorption and Beam Attenuation Meter in Clear Open Ocean Water.

摘要

Our goal is to assess and characterize in situ inherent optical property (IOP) observations in the clear natural waters of the Sargasso Sea. In situ IOP determinations are difficult in clear waters due to the fact that the signals are extremely small relative to pure water used to calibrate the instrument. The emphasis of our research is to develop methods for making accurate and precise IOP measurements made with a WETLabs AC-9 spectral absorption and beam attenuation meter in the clear natural waters of the Sargasso Sea and to validate these measurements against independent, in situ apparent optical property (AOP) and in vivo IOP determinations. The development of methodologies for making accurate IOP profiles for this highly demanding environment will lead to an increased understanding of this important instrument for all waters.