“The Utility of Optical Monitoring for Studying Transformations in Particulate Matter and Primary
Productivity in Shallow Coastal Waters”
Dr. Charles Gallegos
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Monday, September 19, 2005
3:30 PM
Room 109, Crittenton Hall
Abstract
We monitored inherent optical properties in the Rhode River, MD, a
turbid, eutrophic sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay, to determine the factors
affecting the temporal variability in water clarity. Time series of
absorption and scattering coefficients were measured at 1-h intervals for
nearly two years. The seasonal pattern in weekly-averaged absorption and
scattering coefficients in each year was driven primarily by changes in the
particulate matter of both biogenic and mineral origin. Optical properties
also carry information needed to apply recent models of phytoplankton
acclimation to light availability. Application of continuously monitored
optical properties with a previously published model of photoacclimation
allowed us to infer phytoplankton physiological state, estimate the time
scale of physiological adjustment to changes in light availability, and
reduce the uncertainty in predictions of light-saturated photosynthetic rate.
Biography
Charles Gallegos received his bachelor degree in zoology from Duke
University, his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at the University of
Virginia, and did postdoctoral studies at the Bedford Institute of
Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. His research interests are in
the primary production and population dynamics of estuarine phytoplankton,
and optical properties of turbid estuaries. Current research projects focus
on modeling light penetration in estuaries, the use of optical models in
setting restoration goals for submerged aquatic vegetation, and the
interaction of land use and optical properties of small tributary embayments.
Reception before seminar at 3:00 PM
Crittenton Hall
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-5548
Last updated 9/7/2005.
This page is maintained by
Gabriel Franke
Copyright Info: Old Dominion University 2005
