Bio‐optical classification and model of natural waters. 21

Abstract

A bio‐optical technique is presented which allows both the classification and optical modeling of natural waters. The spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient for irradiance (300–700 nm) has been related to two biological quantities: the total concentration of chlorophyll‐like pigments and the dissolved organic material (DOM). The model is a component model which augments our previous work in that it includes new data in the analysis, utilizes an improved analytic fit, extends into the UV region of the spectrum, and adds a DOM component. Our model, which permits quantitative calculation of spectral irradiance at any point in the water column in a variety of nonterrigenous water types, facilitates predictive modeling.