A bio-optical model is a mathematical framework used to describe and predict the interaction between light and biological or chemical constituents in natural waters, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. These models are particularly useful for understanding the optical properties of water and their relationship to the concentrations of substances like:
- Phytoplankton (chlorophyll-a and other pigments)
- Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM)
- Suspended particulate matter (organic and inorganic)
- Detritus
Key Features of Bio-Optical Models
- Light Absorption: The model describes how different substances in the water absorb light at various wavelengths.
- Light Scattering: It includes how particles in water scatter light, impacting water’s color and clarity.
- Water-Leaving Reflectance: It predicts the light that exits the water surface, which can be measured by remote sensing instruments like satellites.
- Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs): These include absorption and scattering coefficients that depend only on the medium and its constituents.
- Apparent Optical Properties (AOPs): These include parameters like reflectance and attenuation, which depend on both the medium and the ambient light field.
Applications of Bio-Optical Models
- Satellite Remote Sensing: These models are essential for interpreting ocean color data from satellites to estimate concentrations of chlorophyll or other water quality indicators.
- Environmental Monitoring: They help track algal blooms, water pollution, and changes in aquatic ecosystems.
- Climate Research: By linking optical properties to biological productivity, they contribute to understanding carbon cycles and ocean health.
- Marine and Coastal Management: They support sustainable management of aquatic resources and help predict harmful ecological events.
Types of Bio-Optical Models
Bio-optical models range from empirical (based on observed data and statistical relationships) to mechanistic (based on the physics and biology of light interactions). The choice of model depends on the application and the availability of data.