The bio‐optical state of ocean waters and remote sensing 1

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.1978.23.2.0247
• Publication Date: 2010-03-27T17:11:55Z
• Authors: Raymond C. Smith; Karen S. Baker
• Keywords: Primary productivity; Photosynthetic pigment

The diffuse attenuation coefficient for irradiance, K T , is a physical measure of the bio‐optical state ocean waters. From an analysis and pigment concentration, specific due to chlorophyll‐like pigments found be 0.016 ± 0.003 [m −1 (mg m −3 ) ]. waters can remotely sensed by spacecraft sensors. readily measured at sea highly correlated with dependent on C . This concentration provide fraction radiant energy attenuated phytoplankton. fraction, in turn, closely related production equations formulated Bannister directly incorporated into general theory phytoplankton dynamics. may also used as index primary productivity. determination surface vessel provides direct information concerning productivity these waters; extent that determined satellite, it possible examine important parameters marine ecosystem rapidly repeatedly.