Australian Ocean Data Network hosts a dataset on inherent optical properties in the Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay system. The data includes spectral absorption, scattering, and backscattering coefficients, plus discrete measurements of phytoplankton, nonalgal particles, and colored dissolved organic matter absorption. Measurements were taken in the near-surface layer during the dry season, capturing spatial variability and tidal phase effects.
Use Cases
- Calibrating remote sensing algorithms based on measured spectral absorption and scattering coefficients.
- Modeling biogeochemical dynamics based on concentrations of phytoplankton pigments and suspended matter.
- Analyzing tidal influence on water properties based on data sampled across the semidiurnal tidal phase.
- Studying spatial gradients in water composition based on measurements along an estuary-coast-ocean continuum.
Strengths
- Captures large variability in optical properties, with particle scattering decreasing by 2 orders of magnitude from estuary to bay.
- Includes continuous and discrete measurements of spectral IOPs and constituent concentrations.
- Spatial and temporal sampling design captures effects of macrotides and short-scale variability.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data is limited to the dry season; seasonal variability is not captured.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Field sampling of biogeochemical and inherent optical properties in the near-surface layer.
- Time Range
- Dry season (specific years unknown).
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-06-04 07:00:59.554258; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay, tropical Australia.