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The ultra-violet absorption of sea water

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

F. A. J. Armstrong
Affiliation:
The Plymouth Laboratory
G. T. Boalch
Affiliation:
The Plymouth Laboratory

Summary

Measurements of the ultra-violet absorption spectra between 200 and 400 mix, have been made with a spectrophotometer. At short wave-lengths natural sea water has double the absorbancy of artificial sea water. The difference in samples from shallow depths is ascribed to organic material, of which part may be the Gelbstoff of Kalle. Regional variations have been found, coastal waters having higher U.V. absorptions. A small seasonal effect with an increase in absorbancy in summer in the English Channel has been seen. In deep Atlantic water increased absorption below 235 m/x may be due to its high nitrate concentration. At longer wave-lengths absorbancies were less than in surface waters. Measurements of U.V. absorption may supplement other physical methods of characterizing water masses.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1961

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