Bio-optical characterization and light availability parameterization in Uummannaq Fjord and Vaigat–Disko Bay (West Greenland)
This study investigated the bio-optical conditions of Uummannaq Fjord and Vaigat–Disko Bay, two neighboring, semi-enclosed coastal systems in West Greenland. Though close to each other, the systems differ in their hydrographic structure influencing the bio-optical conditions and, subsequently, the b...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Ocean Science |
| Online Access: | http://www.ocean-sci.net/12/117/2016/os-12-117-2016.pdf |
| Summary: | This study investigated the bio-optical conditions of Uummannaq
Fjord and Vaigat–Disko Bay, two neighboring, semi-enclosed coastal systems
in West Greenland. Though close to each other, the systems differ in their
hydrographic structure influencing the bio-optical conditions and,
subsequently, the biological activities. Both systems showed high inorganic
suspended particulate matter (SPMi) concentrations near river runoff or
meltwater influxes (max. of 15.28 mg L<sup>−1</sup> at the surface) and low colored dissolved organic matter (aCDOM@350nm, < 1.50 m<sup>−1</sup>)
abundance throughout the systems. High chlorophyll levels (as an indicator of
phytoplankton biomass) were measured in the Vaigat (max. of
11.44 µg L<sup>−1</sup>), which represents the outflow arm of Disko Bay. Light penetration depth as indicated by the 1 % depth of
photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) was dominated by chlorophyll and
SPMi alike, ranging from 12.2 to 41.2 m. Based on these characteristics, an
effective two-component parameterization for the diffuse attenuation
coefficient <i>k</i><sub>PAR</sub> was developed in order to model light penetration depth as a relevant factor for bio-optical studies in Arctic environments under glacial meltwater influence. |
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| ISSN: | 1812-0784 1812-0792 |