Annual variability in light absorption by particles and colored dissolved organic matter in the Crimean coastal waters (the Black Sea)

Bio-optical studies were carried out in coastal waters around the Crimea peninsula in different seasons 2016. It was shown that variability of chlorophyll a concentration (Chl-a), light absorption by suspended particles (a(p)(lambda)), phytoplankton pigments (a(ph)(lambda)), non-algal particles (alpha(NAP)(lambda)) and by colored dissolved organic matter (a(CDOM)(lambda)) in the Crimea coastal water was high (similar to order of magnitudes) in all seasons 2016. Relationships between a(p)(440), a(ph)(440) and Chl-a were obtained and their seasonal differences were analyzed. Spectral distribution of a(NAP)(lambda) and a(CDOM)(lambda) were parameterized. Seasonality in a(CDOM)(lambda) parameterization was revealed, but -in a(NAP)(lambda) parameterization was not revealed. The budget of light absorption by a(ph)(lambda), a(NAP)(lambda) (sic) a(CDOM)(lambda) at 440 nm was assessed and its seasonal dynamics was analyzed.