Correlations between the Parameters of the Light Volume Scattering Functions in the Mediterranean Sea Surface Waters

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the work is to study relationships between the parameters of the light volume scattering functions based on the data of their measurements in the Mediterranean Sea surface waters. Methods and Results. The data of measurements of the light volume scattering functions in the water samples taken in a few regions of the southern Mediterranean Sea, namely from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Levant Sea, as well as in the central part of the Aegean Sea and near the Dardanelles Strait (May, 1998) were used. The following parameters of the volume scattering functions were calculated: total scattering coefficient, and asymmetry and variation coefficients. The maximum and minimum values of the scattering coefficient were 0.21 and 0.09 m–1, respectively; and those for the asymmetry coefficient – 77.8 and 33.9. The variation coefficient of the angle scattering coefficients changed within 35–79%, its maximum and minimum values fell on the angles 7.5° and 162.5°, respectively. Obtained were the relations between the variation coefficient and the scattering angle, the asymmetry coefficient and the scattering coefficient, and the angle scattering coefficients and the total scattering coefficient. All of them possess high (more than 0.9) correlation coefficients. The coefficient value (51.7%) at the angle 2° does not correspond to general relation of the variation coefficient to the scattering angle. This fact is explained by different contributions of coarse and fine suspended matter to the light volume scattering function. At the angle 2°, the main contribution is made by a coarse (organic) suspended matter, whereas at the angles exceeding 7.5° – by a fine (mineral) suspension. Conclusions. The values of the variation coefficient of the angle scattering coefficient at the angles equal to 2° and exceeding 7.5° demonstrate variability of the coarse and fine suspended matter in the Mediterranean Sea, respectively. The equation for the relation between the asymmetry coefficient of the light volume scattering functions and the total scattering coefficient obtained for the Mediterranean Sea waters is close to the analogous one obtained for the Atlantic Ocean tropical waters. The angle 3.5° is optimal for determining the total scattering coefficient using the angle scattering coefficient for the Mediterranean Sea functions.