From Microns to Millimeters: The Use of Optically Determined Particle Size and Distribution in Understanding Coastal Vertical Mixing Processes

Abstract

Abstract : LONG-TERM GOALS. 1) To quantify variations in inherent optical properties (absorption scattering coefficients) as a function of particle size distribution and concentration on the shelf; 2) combine these measurements with hydrographic measurements (including turbulence and mixing as measured by others) to determine the forcing functions and biological processes that cause the temporal and spatial variations in optical properties on the shelf. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES. 1. Determine the relationship between inherent optical properties (attenuation, absorption, scattering) and particle characteristics (mass concentration, size distribution) for the area studied during the ONR Coastal Mixing and Optics (CMO) Advanced Research Initiative (ARI). 2. Determine whether the distribution of inherent optical properties or large aggregates can be used to identify the location and scales of mixing where physical parameters such as temperature or salinity show no variation. 3. Determine how inherent optical properties can remain uniform across depths where there are gradients in conservative parameters such as temperature and salinity. 4. Determine the significance of the presence of large aggregates on the inherent optical properties.