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Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Particulate and Dissolved Organic Matter in the Mississippi River Bight From Optical MeasurementsThe Mississippi River Bight is a highly dynamic region influenced by the seasonally variable outflow from the Mississippi River. In an effort to characterize the distribution of particulate and dissolved organic matter in the region, we conducted a two-year field program in the spring and fall (high and low flow river discharge) of 2000 and 2002. We collected a comprehensive set of bio-optical measurements consisting of vertical profiles (absorption, scattering, chlorophyll fluorescence and radiometry) and discrete measurements (pigment concentrations, particulate and CDOM absorption) that enabled us to obtain better insight into the seasonal and spatial variability of some important biogeochemical parameters. Our field measurements generally showed higher phytoplankton clorophyll concentrations in the plume waters (associated with lower surface salinities) and confirmed the high biological activity abserved in other studies. The seasonal flow of river discharge and advective currents due to wind forcing exerted a strong influence on the biological and optical properties of the region. An examination of absorption at 440 nm by the algal and non-algal fraction of the particulate pool and of CDOM revealed that at nearshore stations, contributions by the non-algal particles were high (about 40%) and decresed with increasing salinities. While CDOM absorption exhibited conservative mixing, its relative contribution to the total absorption was variable. Surface waters at most stations had lower salinities that generalliy increased with dept. Particulate matter and CDOM also decreased with depth as evidenced by absorption and scattering measurements. Good correlations in surface waters between concentrations of particulate and dissolved matter, the inherent optical properties of absorption and ackscattering and remote sensing reflectance values has allowed the development of robust empirical algorithms for phytoplankton chlorophyll and CDOM absorption.
Document ID
20040016192
Acquisition Source
Stennis Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
DSa, E. J.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
Miller, R. L.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
DelCastillo, C.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
October 14, 2003
Subject Category
General
Report/Patent Number
NASA/SE-2003-10-00094-SSC
Meeting Information
Meeting: AGU Ocean Sciences Meeting
Location: Portland, OR
Country: United States
Start Date: January 26, 2004
End Date: January 30, 2004
Sponsors: American Geophysical Union
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS13-650
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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