Optically significant particle sizes in seawater

Davies, Emlyn and McKee, David and Bowers, David George and Graham, George W. and Nimmo-Smith, W. Alex M. (2014) Optically significant particle sizes in seawater. Applied Optics, 53 (6). pp. 1067-1074. ISSN 1559-128X

Full text not available in this repository.Request a copy from the Strathclyde author

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.53.001067

Abstract

Small particles (<10 μm) are often considered to play the dominant role in controlling scattering and absorption due to their relatively large numbers, which are typically found in the ocean. Here we present an approach for quantifying the size range of particles that contribute significantly to bulk inherent optical properties. We present a numerical assessment of the variability in optically significant particle sizes for simplistic populations that conform to the assumptions of homogeneous, spherical particles, and power-law size distributions. We use numerical predictions from Mie theory to suggest minimum and maximum particle sizes required for accurate predictions and observations of ocean optics for different particle size distributions (PSDs). When considering observed ranges of PSDs, our predictions suggest the need for measurements of optical properties and particles to capture information from particle sizes between diameters of 0.05–2000 μm in order to properly constrain relationships between particles and their associated optical properties. Natural particle populations in the ocean may present more complex PSDs that could be analyzed using the method presented here to establish optically significant size classes.

Creators(s):	Davies, Emlyn, McKee, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8023-5923, Bowers, David George, Graham, George W. and Nimmo-Smith, W. Alex M.;
Item type:	Article
ID code:	47865
Keywords:	small particles, seawater, particle sizes, ocean, Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Subjects:	Science > Physics
Department:	Faculty of Science > Physics University of Strathclyde > University of Strathclyde
Depositing user:	Pure Administrator
Date deposited:	07 May 2014 10:47
Last modified:	20 Jan 2021 21:12
Related URLs:	Scopus publication
URI:	https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/47865
Export data:

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)