Coloured dissolved organic matter dynamics in the Great Barrier Reef

• DOI: 10.1016/j.csr.2021.104395
• Publication Date: 2021-03-14T03:26:10Z
• Authors: Christian Lønborg; Lachlan I.W. McKinna; Matthew M. Slivkoff; Cátia Carreira
• Keywords: Spectral slope; Overcast

The coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) pool was studied to provide information about the characteristics and dynamics of carbon (DOC) fraction in largest contiguous coral reef system world, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. large-scale dataset consisted 793 discrete measurements collected offshore coastal regions period from 2004 2017. study demonstrates that despite spatial-temporal variations, CDOM values Reef are comparable those found other oligotrophic waters. optical properties suggest a higher terrestrial contribution low photochemical degradation during Austral wet season, which is line with river inputs overcast conditions this compared seasons. also revealed strong relationship between DOC normalized absorption coefficient at 350 nm spectral slope 275 295 (S275-295), suggesting correlation varies depending on or source. poor salinity could be explained by range factors, but likely primarily linked extensive generally Reef.