L4 Total light absorption - surface

The relative contribution of a_ph, a_NAP, a_CDOM and seawater to total light absorption at station L4 varied by wavelength and between seasons are shown below. At 443 nm, a_CDOM is the highest absorbing component in the water column in the blue region of the spectrum during spring, summer, autumn, followed by a_ph. In winter, a_NAP can be as high as a_ph. At this wavelength a_CDOM varied by an order of magnitude between 2009-2010 from 0.009 to 0.139 m^-1, but in winter and autumn, mean a_CDOM was 3.4 and 2.9-fold greater than a_ph. To use these data, and the entire series, please contact Dr Gavin Tilstone.