Relation between photosynthetically available radiation and total insolation at the ocean surface under clear skies1

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.1987.32.6.1370
• Publication Date: 2010-04-07T05:55:02Z
• Authors: Karen S. Baker; Robert Frouin
• Keywords: Zenith; Solar zenith angle; Photosynthetically active radiation

A radiative transfer model is used to investigate the relationship between photosynthetically available radiation, E par (0 + ) and total incoming solar tot at ocean surface. The ratio of lies 0.42 0.50 for most clear sky conditions. simulations indicate that parameters governing variability ): are zenith angle, amount water vapor in atmosphere, aerosol optical thickness. influence ozone other gaseous constituents insignificant. Comparisons results field data show close agreement. Given angle an estimate both thickness, can be accurately predicted from studies aquatic photosynthesis.