Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2010, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (2): 39-45.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2010.02.039cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2010.02.039

• Marine Optics • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spectral variability of particulate backscattering ratio in the Daya Bay

ZHOU Wen1, CAO Wen-xi1, YANG Yue-zhong1, WANG Gui-fen1, ZHAO Jun1,2, SUN Zhao-hua1,2, XU Zhan-tang1,2   

  1. 1. LED, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; 2. Graduate Univ. of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10039, China
  • Received:2009-05-06 Revised:2009-11-09 Online:2010-03-23 Published:2010-03-23

Abstract:

Variability of particulate backscattering ratio and its interpretation were examined using in-situ measurements performed during May 2007 in the Daya Bay. The results indicated that the particulate backscattering ratio values range between 0.004 and 0.0245, with a mean value of 0.0082±0.0032. There was some spectral dependence of the particulate backscattering ratio, and less than 15% variability between wavelengths was estimated. A global decreasing of particulate backscattering ratio with increasing chlorophyll concentration was visible, and the low backscattering ratios were observed in water with high chlorophyll concentration. Particle-size distribution slope was the main factor controlling the variability of particles backscattering ratio: The particle backscattering ratio increased with particle-size distribution slope. Average particle refractive index was another influencing factor. With similar particle-size distribution, the amount of non-pigment material relative to phytoplankton that was characterized by the variability of refractive index had a strong effect on particulate backscattering ratio.

Key words: backscattering ratio, spectral variability, particle-size distribution, refractive index

CLC Number: 

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