Hobart

Seminar abstract

Friday 9 March 2007, 11.30 am (Hobart time)
CSIRO Auditorium, Hobart

Dariusz Stramski
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, USA

Frontiers in ocean optics: beyond chlorophyll and bulk parameterization of suspended particulate matter

Seawater is a complex optical medium consisting of a great variety of particle types with different sizes, shapes, refractive indices, optical properties, and biogeochemical functions. Over the last several decades, the traditional approach has been to use an overly simplified parameterization of seawater in terms of a few bulk particulate properties, such as chlorophyll a or particle mass concentration. However, the same amounts of particles parameterized in terms of these bulk properties can produce significant differences in ocean optical properties. This optical variability represents a major challenge for ocean optics science and its applications, including satellite remote sensing.

In this presentation I will present a concept referred to as reductionist approach, in which seawater is described as an optical medium consisting of relatively large but manageable number of particulate components that play specific well-defined roles in ocean optics and biogeochemistry. I will summarize recent advances from detailed optical studies of various plankton groups/species and mineral-rich particulate assemblages. I will show examples of how powerful the reductionist approach is in the fields of ocean optics and optical remote sensing.

The general conclusion emerging from my presentation is that we must move beyond a traditional paradigm of using just a few bulk particulate categories to ensure further advancements in mechanistic understanding of optical variability and remote sensing applications in aquatic environments.

[back]

Location:
CSIRO = Marine Laboratories Auditorium, Castray Esplanade, Hobart

For further information, or to schedule a seminar, contact:
To schedule a seminar, contact:
Karen Wild-Allen, (Oceanographic seminars) CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (03) 6232 5010
Piers Dunstan, (Biological seminars) CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
(03) 6232 5382
Annabel Ozimec (seminar administrator) CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (03) 6232 5462
Sandra Zicus, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC (03) 6226 7888
Margaret Hazelwood, Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies (IASOS) University of Tasmania (03) 6226 2971

Last updated 2/03/07