The spectral dependency of the particulate backscattering ratio is relevant in the fields of ocean color inversion, light field modeling, and inferring particle properties from optical measurements. Aside from theoretical predictions for spherical, homogeneous particles, we have very limited knowledge of the actual in situ spectral variability of the particulate backscattering ratio. This poster presents results from six research cruises that were conducted over a four year period. Water column profiles of physical and optical properties were conducted across diverse aquatic environments that offered a wide range of particle populations.

The main objective of this research is to determine how precisely we can measure the particulate backscattering ratio, and then ascertain if we can resolve spectral variability in the ratio within these measurement limits. Individual cruise datasets are examined for spectral trends, as well as for variability in spectral shape and magnitude between different biogeochemical provinces. Relationships between particle properties and variability in the spectral particulate backscattering ratio are examined. In toto, we present almost thirteen thousand 1-meter binned data points for each of five wavelengths of the spectral particulate backscattering coefficient.