Spectral absorption, scattering, and backscattering coefficients were measured in the near-surface layer of the Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay system during the dry season. The dataset, hosted by the Australian Ocean Data Network, includes discrete measurements of phytoplankton, nonalgal particles, and colored dissolved organic matter absorption, plus concentrations of pigments and suspended matter. Particle scattering and dissolved absorption decreased by 2 orders of magnitude from estuary to bay, while nonalgal particle absorption decreased by 3 orders of magnitude.
Use Cases
- Developing spatially and temporally adjusted remote sensing algorithms based on the high variability in inherent optical properties.
- Modeling the impact of semidiurnal tides on biogeochemical property distribution across an estuary-coast-ocean continuum.
- Analyzing relationships between suspended matter-specific particle scattering and chlorophyll-specific phytoplankton absorption.
- Investigating the factor-of-6 variability in particle single scattering albedo and backscattering efficiency in shallow coastal systems.
Strengths
- Includes continuous spectral absorption, scattering, and backscattering coefficients, plus discrete component-specific measurements.
- Captures data across strong spatial gradients and tidal phases, showing property changes of 2-3 orders of magnitude.
- Focuses on a defined, complex environment: the shallow (<30 m), macrotidal Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay system.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Data collection is limited to the dry season; temporal coverage is not year-round.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Field sampling of biogeochemical and inherent optical properties in the near-surface layer, spatially and across tidal phases.
- Time Range
- Dry season (specific years unknown).
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-06-27 19:37:43.174628; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay, tropical Australia.