Estimation of Suspended Matter and Dissolved Organic Matter Content in Surface Waters of Black Sea from Optical Measurements in Research Cruises in 2016

Korchemkina E. N., Mankovskaya E. V.

The results of the beam attenuation coefficient measurements in the shelf and depth areas of Black Sea obtained during two cruises of R/V “Professor Vodyanitsky” in July and October 2016 are discussed. The methods of determining the concentration and scattering of suspended matter and absorption of dissolved organic matter in seawater are presented. The methods include empirical and analytical calculations based on measurements of the beam attenuation coefficient in four spectral channels, calculations of suspended matter backscattering and dissolved organic matter absorption from satellite measurements in the visible spectral range. A method allowing to obtain estimates of dissolved organic and suspended matter content using beam attenuation coefficient measurements in two spectral channels is proposed. Retrieved spatial distributions of suspended matter backscattering and dissolved organic matter absorption from satellite data are in good agreement with in situ measurements. There is a high correlation between the values calculated by contact and satellite data. The basic characteristics of suspended matter and dissolved organic matter calculated for two research cruises are presented. Results of this work represent the spatial and temporal variability of the primary hydrooptical characteristics of the investigated area. Considered methods make possible to assess the composition, bio-productivity and ecological state of waters.

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