Coherence of particulate beam attenuation and backscattering coefficients in diverse open ocean environments.
We present an extensive data set of particle attenuation (c(p)), backscattering (b(bp)), and chlorophyll concentration (Chl) from a diverse set of open ocean environments. A consistent observation in the data set is the strong coherence between c(p) and b(bp) and the resulting constancy of the backscattering ratio (0.010 +/- 0.002). The strong covariability between c(p) and b(bp) must be rooted in one or both of two explanations, 1) the size distribution of particles in the ocean is remarkably conserved and particle types responsible for c(p) and b(bp) covary, 2) the same particle types exert influence on both quantities. Therefore, existing relationships between c(p) or Chl:c(p) and phytoplankton biomass and physiological indices can be conceptually extended to the use of b(bp). This finding lends support to use of satellite-derived Chl and b(bp) for investigation of phytoplankton biomass and physiology and broadens the applications of existing ocean color retrievals.
Westberry
Toby K
TK
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. toby.westberry@science.oregonstate.edu
Dall'Olmo
Giorgio
G
Boss
Emmanuel
E
Behrenfeld
Michael J
MJ
Moutin
Thierry
T
D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D004777:Environment; D016014:Linear Models; D010140:Pacific Ocean; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D010839:Phytoplankton / Q000378:metabolism; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D052638:Particulate Matter; D002734:Chlorophyll