Comparing the use of hyperspectral Irradiance Reflectance and Diffuse Attenuation Coeficient as indicators for algal presence in the water column

Remarkable advances are being achieved on spectroradiometric systems technology, allowing the development of spectrometers aimed at in-situ measurements. However, the use of numerical modelling of the ocean optical properties can help to understand how these properties react to changes in the water column's composition. In this work, HydroLight-EcoLight was used in order to simulate different scenarios to study how two Apparent Optical Properties (AOPs) such as Irradiance Reflectance (R) and Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient (Kd) could be used to detect the presence of a specific phytoplankton group in the water column.