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Optical scattering properties of phytoplankton: Measurements and comparison of various species at scattering angles between 1° and 170°
Author(s) -
Zugger Michael E.,
Messmer Alicia,
Kane Timothy J.,
Prentice Jennifer,
Concan Brian,
Laux Alan,
Mullen Linda
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.2008.53.1.0381
Subject(s) - scattering , thalassiosira weissflogii , phytoplankton , isochrysis galbana , light scattering , optics , physics , biology , algae , botany , ecology , nutrient
We describe the results of a laboratory scattering experiment performed to investigate differences in the optical scattering properties between five common phytoplankton species ( Dunaliella tertiolecta , Isochrysis galbana , Nanochloropsis , Skeletonema costatum , and Thalassiosira weissflogii ). Data sets were taken at scattering angles 1° to 170° at incident polarizations parallel and perpendicular to the scattering plane. Differences between the species were especially apparent in the slopes at near‐forward (1°‐10°) angles and the enhanced scattering at nearbackward (150°‐165°) angles. There were also notable differences observed between the depolarization ratios, especially at scattering angles between 70° and 110°. The data are shown to be not only helpful in differentiating several species from each other, but also in separating the phytoplankton from bubble/hydrosol contributions to the ocean's inherent optical properties. The results presented here motivate the development of in situ large‐angle polarimetric scatterometers and associated retrieval algorithms.