Spatial-Temporal Regularities of Hydrooptical Characteristics of the Ob River

Abstract

Field studies conducted in spring (March 26 — April 9, 2022) and summer (June 5-16, 2022) in the Ob River mouth region at the three hydromorphological stations „Kazym-Mys“, „Azovy“, and „Salemal“ (YaNAO) to obtain new data on the hydrooptical characteristics of water in the Lower Ob river. Also, the trophic status and ecological state of the Lower Ob river region were assessed. The greatly varying light attenuation coefficient ε(λ) was calculated at the four characteristic wavelengths of 430, 450, 550, and 670 nm, respectively. It ranges from 9.3 m-1 to 22.1 m-1 during the winter low water (freeze-up) period and from 7.3 m-1 to 33.0 m-1 during the open water (high water) period. The calculated relative spectral contributions of major optically active components of water (pure water, suspension, yellow substance, chlorophyll) to ε(λ) suggest that suspension and yellow substance make up the maximal contribution at different horizons. Additionally, the calculated coefficient of light absorption by yellow substance кys(λ) varies within the ranges from 5.5 m-1 to 9.9 m-1 (spring) and from 3.1 m-1 to 17.0 m-1 (summer), respectively. The relative transparency was measured using the Secchi disc. The concentrations of yellow substance and major photosynthetic pigments — chlorophylls a, b, c, and carotenoids — were estimated alongside. The obtained results could be useful for environmental monitoring and predicting the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems in the region under climate change and increased anthropogenic pressure caused by the use of natural resources.