Measured IOPs of Jerlov water types

Area of Science:

• Ocean optics
• Inherent optical properties (IOPs)
• Water quality classification

Background:

• Ocean water clarity is classified using Jerlov water types (Jerlov I to 9C).
• Jerlov types are defined by the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd).
• A direct relationship between Jerlov types and specific inherent optical properties (IOPs) like absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive robust values for the absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients for six Jerlov water types.
• To establish a comprehensive dataset of IOPs for various Jerlov water types.
• To provide experimentally measured IOPs for improved oceanographic modeling.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the World-wide Ocean Optics Database, consolidating over 13.5 million data points.
• Applied data science techniques to group measurements spatially and temporally.
• Derived 53 measured values for absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients.
• Employed established models to generate IOPs across a spectral range (300-800 nm).

Main Results:

• Generated a complete table of absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients for Jerlov IB to Jerlov 5C.
• Included the influence of solar zenith angle and scattering phase function in the analysis.
• Provided experimentally validated IOPs linked to specific Jerlov water types.

Conclusions:

• The derived IOPs offer a critical link between water clarity (Jerlov types) and fundamental optical properties.
• These data are recommended for applications requiring accurate IOPs to describe Jerlov water types.
• Enhances the accuracy of optical models used in oceanography and remote sensing.