Optical Characteristics of Pollen Grains in Coastal Waters of the Gulf of Maine

摘要

In coastal areas, terrestrial material, including dissolved substances, can absorb a substantial fraction of the incoming light. We believe that seasonal inputs of pollen to coastal waters may contribute significantly to this terrestrial signal. We are describing the optical characteristics of pollen grains and determining if pollen leachates contribute to colored DOM. Eventually, we hope to assess the contribution of pollen to the optical signature of coastal waters on a seasonal basis and determine how light attenuation is altered in Case II waters where they are abundant.