Hyperspectral absorption coefficient of “pure” seawater in the range of 350–550  nm inverted from remote sensing reflectance

Abstract

Hyperspectral (every 5 nm) absorption coefficients of “pure” seawater in the range of 350–550 nm are derived from remote sensing reflectance measured in oligotrophic oceans. The absorption spectrum is reduced by ∼50–70% for the 350–400-nm range and ∼5–10% for the 510–530-nm range compared with the commonly adopted standard for ocean color processing and shows different spectral curvatures. The application of this new spectrum resulted in better retrievals of the phytoplankton absorption coefficient in oligotrophic oceans and will provide better closure of remote sensing reflectance for the UV–visible domain.