POSTER SESSION 4
10:30–12:30, Thursday, September 17
Poster Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Schedule at a Glance
ABSTRACT 1106 | POSTER 108
SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN WATER TRANSPARENCY AND OCEAN COLOR COUPLING IN THE WESTERN ARCTIC OCEAN
Ocean color integrates the optical effects of phytoplankton, colored dissolved organic matter, and suspended particles, and is widely used as an indicator of marine ecosystem conditions. In the Arctic Ocean, however, its interpretation remains challenging due to the combined influences of sea-ice melt, freshwater inputs, and distinct regional water masses, which produce highly heterogeneous optical environments. This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of water transparency and ocean color across the western Arctic Ocean, including the Bering Strait, Chukchi Sea, and Canada Basin, using ship-based observations collected aboard the R/V Araon during 2022–2024. Ocean color was quantified using the Forel–Ule index and hue angle derived from in situ remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), while water transparency was characterized by the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd). A consistent relationship between Kd and hue angle was observed across the study region, although its sensitivity and variability differed significantly among subregions. The Bering Strait exhibited the highest Kd values, particulate absorption, and chlorophyll-a concentrations, along with pronounced variability, reflecting strong spatial heterogeneity in optical and biogeochemical conditions. These results highlight that integrated optical metrics provide a robust framework for identifying regional color anomalies and improving the detection of climate-driven ecosystem changes in the rapidly evolving Arctic Ocean.
Hyun-Cheol Kim, KOPRI, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4387-9268
Joo-Eun Yoon, KOPRI, [email protected]
Poster Session | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Schedule at a Glance
