Mass-specific scattering cross sections of suspended sediments and aggregates: theoretical limits and applications.

The spectral mass-specific scattering cross section σ[PIM](λ) is most important for the remote sensing inversion of the concentration of suspended mineral matter in the coastal ocean. This optical parameter is also important in optical theory and therefore the theoretical limits of this parameter are important. There are differing reports in the literature on the magnitude of σ[PIM](λ) and its spectral slope in different coastal ocean systems. To account for and predict these differences, I have applied a model of the size distribution of primary suspended mineral particles and aggregates of these particles to theoretical calculations of σ[PIM](λ). I utilized a model of mineral particle aggregates by Khelifa and Hill [Khelifa, A. and P.S. Hill, J. Hydraul. Res. 44, 390 (2006)] and Latimer's optical model of aggregates [Latimer, P., Appl. Opt. 24, 3231, (1985)]. I have been able to account for the variations in magnitude and spectral slope of σ[PIM](λ). This analysis will apply to not only inverting the concentration of suspended mineral matter but also provides the basis for inverting the processes of coagulation and aggregation of primary mineral particles in determining sedimentation rates, budgets, etc.

Extracting mineral effects on ultraviolet penetration and its effects in coastal and inland waters: a Monte Carlo study.

A factor significantly affecting the ultraviolet (UV) radiation's interactions with the aquatic environment is the concentration of suspended sediment. We utilize data on UV penetration, absorption, and scattering in Lake Biwa, Japan, reported by Belzile et al. [Limnol. Oceanogr. 47, 95 (2002)], to drive Monte Carlo simulations of UV penetration. We generated Monte Carlo models (2 billion photons per simulation) of four stations reported by Belzile et al.: two low sediment stations and two high sediment stations. New modes are proposed for analyzing UV penetration and dosage factors for aquatic organisms in sediment dominated aquatic environments.

Biogeo-optics: particle optical properties and the partitioning of the spectral scattering coefficient of ocean waters.

We propose a direct method of partitioning the particulate spectral scattering coefficient of the marine hydrosol based on the concurrent determination of the concentrations of particulate mineral and organic matter (the total mass of optically active scattering material exclusive of water) with the particulate spectral scattering coefficient. For this we derive a Model II multiple linear regression model. The multiple linear regression of the particulate spectral scattering coefficient against the independent variables, the concentrations of particulate inorganic matter and particulate organic matter, yields their mass-specific spectral scattering cross sections. The mass-specific spectral scattering cross section is simply the particle scattering cross section normalized to the particle mass, a fundamental optical efficiency parameter for the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation [Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles, (Wiley-Interscience, 1983), pp. 80-81, 289]. It is possible to infer the optical properties of the suspended matter from the mass-specific spectral scattering cross sections. From these cross sections we partition the particulate spectral scattering coefficient into its major components.