Light Attenuation Kd490

This dataset represents monthly and annual mean summaries for Kd490 for the time period from 2000/2001 to 2017/2018, depending on the month and data available (see processing steps). Kd (490) is the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm. The diffuse attenuation coefficient in water indicates how strongly light intensity at a specified wavelength is attenuated within the water column. This parameter has wide applicability in ocean optics, as it is directly related to the presence of scattering particles in the water column, either organic or inorganic, and thus is an indication of water clarity. The diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm (Kd490) indicates the turbidity of the water column -- how visible light in the blue to green region of the spectrum penetrates within the water column. The value of Kd490 (m-1) represents the rate at which light at 490 nm is attenuated with depth. For example, a Kd490 of 0.1/meter means that light intensity will be reduced one natural log within 10 meters of water. Thus, for a Kd490 of 0.1, one attenuation length is 10 meters. Higher Kd490 value means smaller attenuation depth and lower clarity of ocean water.

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  "https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inportserve/waf/noaa/nos/ocm/dmp/pdf/66147.pdf"
]