Basics

The terms reflectance and attenuation both describe different interactions between light (or other electromagnetic radiation) and a medium. Here’s how they differ: 1. Reflectance Definition: Reflectance is the fraction or…

Radiance and Irradiance 1. Radiance (L) **Definition**: Radiance describes the amount of light energy traveling in a specific direction from a given area. **Key Characteristics**: - **Units**: Watts per square…

The difference between Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs) and Apparent Optical Properties (AOPs) lies in how they relate to the properties of a medium and how light interacts with it. These…

Humic substances are a group of complex organic compounds that form as a result of the decomposition of plant and animal matter over long periods, typically in soils, sediments, and…

Gelbstoff is a German term that translates to "yellow substance" in English. It refers to a class of organic compounds, typically colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), that are found in…

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) refers to the organic carbon compounds dissolved in water. It is a key component of the carbon cycle in aquatic ecosystems and includes a variety of…

Detritus refers to non-living organic material derived from the decomposition of plants, animals, and other organisms. It is a critical component of ecosystems, especially in aquatic environments, because it forms…

Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), also known as gelbstoff or yellow substance, refers to organic molecules dissolved in water that can absorb light, especially in the ultraviolet (UV) and blue…

Chlorophyll a is a type of chlorophyll, which is the green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis, where light…